Shear strength contribution provided by inorganic-matrix composites fully wrapped around reinforced concrete beams

Fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have been increasingly employed as externally bonded (EB) reinforcement for existing structures. FRCMs are effective in increasing the shear strength of existing concrete members. When the fully-wrapped configuration is employed, the composite tensile failure could be attained. In this paper, an analytical approach previously proposed to describe FRCM U-wrapped RC beams is extended to fully-wrapped members. This approach provides an accurate description of the stress-transfer mechanism between the FRCM bridging the shear crack and the substrate, thus allowing for an in-depth study of the composite contribution to the member shear strength.