Shear and torsion strengthening with externally bonded FRP reinforcement

Nowadays, there is a considerable interest in FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) reinforcement for building construction. Especially, the use of FRP for externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) to repair and strengthen existing structures is becoming more and more established world-wide. Since first applications in the late 1980s, the commercial use of externally bonded FRP reinforcement (FRP EBR) is currently increasing exponentially in many countries, its use can be regarded well documented and strengthening with FRP EBR is becoming a standard technique in a fast way. Although a majority of the applications deal with flexural strengthening, also a deficient shear capacity often occurs. Due to its flexibility, FRP EBR is very attractive for shear strengthening. As demonstrated by several researchers, the use of FRP EBR for shear and torsion strengthening is feasible and efficient. Different calculation models have been proposed, which are still subject to further verification.