International Journal of Civil Engineering

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40999-018-0342-8

RESEARCH PAPER

Flexural Performance and Failure Modes of NSM CFRP-Strengthened

Concrete Beams: A Parametric Study
Rami H. Haddad1   · Oubaida A. Almomani1

Received: 11 January 2018 / Revised: 22 June 2018 / Accepted: 23 June 2018

© Iran University of Science and Technology 2018

Abstract
The flexural performance and failure modes of concrete beams, strengthened with near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-
reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips were investigated. For this, reinforced concrete beams (150 × 250 × 1400 mm) were cast,
and cured for 28 days, then strengthened with NSM CFRP strips at varying numbers (1–3), lateral spacing (50–100 mm),
and embedment lengths (150–450 mm). The impact of staggering of NSM CFRP strips upon strengthening efficiency was
tackled, as well. The flexural mechanical response, strain in strips at failure, and cracking and failure modes were evalu-
ated for all concrete beams under a four-point loading test setup. The findings indicated that inserting NSM CFRP strips at
a certain lateral distance from the main steel bars prevented end-cover peeling-off. Furthermore, staggering NSM CFRP
strips contributed to increasing the residual flexural capacity and toughness of strengthened beams by as much as 30 and
51%, respectively, although it led to a slight reduction in their ductility. In general, the present study confirmed the findings
of different literature works with regard to the effect of key repair parameters using NSM CFRP strips.

Keywords  Strengthening · NSM CFRP strips · Peeling off · Analytical prediction · Strain

1 Introduction their susceptibility to cracking under tension and in com-

In field, reinforced concrete (RC) structural members are
designed to resist various types of loads unless their concrete
deteriorates due to physical, chemical, and/or electrochemi-
cal attacks, or due to exposure to excessive loadings or an
accidental fire [1]. The extent of degradation in structural
performance depends mainly upon the acting dead and live
loads, severity of the causative factor(s) and type of element,
foundation, columns, beam, or slab. Hence, unless proper
strengthening or repair measures are undertaken, structural
collapse could occur without warning. Fortunately, statis-
tics have shown that most deficient structural elements are
repairable, especially with the progress made in repair using
advanced composite materials.
The available database shows that reinforced concrete
beams are the most repaired structural elements owing to
* Rami H. Haddad
rhaddad@just.edu.jo
Oubaida A. Almomani
oaalmomani179@eng.just.edu.jo
1
Civil Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science
and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
pression zones, which impacts their load resistance mecha-
nism tangibly. Until recently, steel plates and elements or
reinforced concrete jacketing were mainly used in repair/
strengthening of beams; both of which have its own disad-
vantages. Steel plates or elements are hardly shaped to fit
complex profiles of concrete sections as they are relatively
heavy, inflexible, and difficult to manipulate and bond to
concrete under site conditions. Additionally, steel-strength-
ened structures would require periodic maintenance to
prevent or delay corrosion, especially in aggressive envi-
ronments [2, 3]. Reinforced concrete jacketing (RCJ), on
the other hand, introduces apparent dimension changes and
adds considerable deadweight to the repaired element [4].
As they possess better physical, chemical and mechanical
properties than steel plates and RCJ, fiber-reinforced poly-
mer (FRP) plates and sheets have been used to strengthen/
repair various concrete structural elements. The outcome of
approximately 20 years of research indicates many advan-
tages of FRP materials over conventional repair techniques,
including higher repair efficiency and easier application
within a relatively short period of time [5, 6]. However, the
tendency of FRP composites, in the form of conventional
plates and sheets, to detach from concrete at relatively low

13
Vol.:(0123456789)

loads undermined the benefit of its use as a repair/strength-
ening technique.
To overcome the shortcomings associated with the use
of conventional FRP plates in repair, a new form of FRP
composite is currently emerging: near-surface mounted
(NSM) carbon FRP (CFRP) strips. These are inserted in
the man-created groove that is filled with a strong adhe-
sive. Compared to externally bonded FRP plates or sheets,
NSM CFRP strips are protected against accidental mechani-
cal damage, sun, and moisture, and hence, it would be very
attractive to promote negative moment capacity in areas
exposed to mechanical damage or environmental attacks.
Furthermore, NSM CFRP strips are less prone to de-bonding
from concrete substrate, and their application introduces no
esthetic changes to the repaired structural elements [7–12].
Consequently, various studies were recently undertaken to
investigate the mechanical performance and failure modes
of beams repaired for shear and flexure using NSM CFRP
strips. The major findings indicated: (a) higher contribu-
tion of NSM CFRP strips to improving structural perfor-
mance as compared to externally attached strips of similar
sectional area and strength properties; (b) groove’s thickness
and spacing having a significant impact on the efficiency
of repair, and (c) premature concrete cover delamination
being a major disadvantage. Most studies reported soffit
cover delamination as the dominant failure mode in shear-
strengthened beams, especially when relatively close strip
spacing is used [7–12].
The present paper aims to help the reader gain a better
understanding of the effect of the key parameters that sig-
nificantly influence the repair efficiency when NSM CFRP
strips are used. Two of the parameters were rarely studied
(if none); specifically, lateral position of strips relative to
that of reinforcing steel bars, and longitudinal staggering of
NSM CFRP strips. The mechanical response of strengthened
beams was evaluated in terms of load–deflection response
and its characteristics as well as strain induced in NSM
CFRP strips at failure. Furthermore, the present findings
with regard to the impact of key parameters upon flexural
repair efficiency when using NSM CFRP strips in terms of
strain induced (in strips) were validated against three of the
most recent relevant research works.
2 Problem Statement and Objectives
Premature detachment of conventional carbon FRP (CFRP)
plates in strengthened beams before the compression con-
crete develops its ultimate strain capacity had limited the
benefit of using such materials in repair works. As an alter-
native, NSM CFRP strips were manufactured and com-
mercialized because their positioning in grooved concrete
significantly augments their bond with concrete, imparting
13
International Journal of Civil Engineering
significant improvements to the performance of repaired
structural elements. However, the main disadvantage of
using NSM CFRP strips for repairing flexural members is
represented in their tendency to peel off at their termination
zones, followed by accelerated crack propagation towards
the compression region. Hence, there is a need to reach a
better understanding as for the effect of strips’ configura-
tion and their staggering upon repair significance. Further-
more, the present findings would provide additional data
for future development and validation of reliable empirical
models capable of predicting ultimate strain in NSM CFRP
strips at failure.
3 Methodology of Study
To fulfill the objectives of the proposed study, 19 reinforced
concrete beams (150 × 250 × 1400  mm) were designed
according to ACI committee 318 to show ductile flexural
failure [13]. For this, all beams were reinforced at similar
longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio of 1% with the shear
reinforcement determined based upon a constant shear/flex-
ural theoretical ultimate load capacity ratio of about 1.5.
Beams were cast in wooden molds, and cured for 28 days
under moist conditions before being divided into three main
sets: the first set consisted of two control beams, whereas
the second consisted of 16 beams, strengthened with NSM
CFRP strips at different embedment lengths and strips’ num-
ber, spacing, and positioning relative to main steel; embed-
ment length being defined as extension distance of strips
beyond maximum moment zone. The third set pertained to a
single beam, strengthened using three staggered NSM CFRP
strips, two of which were terminated at a shorter embedment
length relative to the third one.
The present beams were strengthened with different
numbers, spacing values, and embedment lengths for NSM
CFRP strips to experimentally determine critical repair
configuration(s) which would contribute to delaying or pre-
venting undesirable flexural failure by concrete cover peel-
ing-off. The entire testing program is summarized in Table 1
and illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. The different beams
were given letter–number designations, reflecting number of
NSM CFRP strips, and their extension and spacing.
Finally, all beams were tested under the effect of four-
point loading with load, mid-span deflection, and strain
in NSM CFRP at failure acquired using a data acquisition
system. The data were processed and analyzed to establish
the impact of various parameters on flexural performance,
ultimate strain in strips, and mode of failure. The impact of
various key parameters upon ultimate strain in NSM CFRP
strips was substantiated through comparisons with the most
recent literature works.
International Journal of Civil Engineering

Table 1  Designation of test Set # NS SCONF SN EL (mm) SP (mm) Beam designation

specimens and parameters
1 2 None – – – C
2 2 NSM 1 250 – C_SN1 _EL(25)
2 NSM 2 150 7.5 C_SN2 _EL(15)_SP7.5
2 NSM 2 250 7.5 C_SN2 _EL(25)_SP7.5
2 NSM 2 450 7.5 C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP7.5
2 NSM 2 450 5 C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP5
2 NSM 2 450 10 C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP10
2 NSM 3 150 5 C_SN3 _EL(15)_SP5
2 NSM 3 250 5 C_SN3 _EL(25)_SP5
1 NSM 3 2 (150)–450 5 CSN3 _EL(2 × 15 − 1 × 45)_SP5

SCONF strengthening configuration, SN strips number, NS number of samples, EL embedment length

beyond maximum moment zone, SP spacing between strips, C control (intact), NSM near-surface mounted

4 Experimental Program
Material properties, mix design, concrete mixing and cast-
ing, detailing of test beams and reinforcement, procedure
of repair applications and testing setup and procedure have
been discussed in detail in this section.
4.1 Concrete Ingredients and Proportions
of steel plates of 10 mm thickness were attached to the high
shear zones of the beams to ensure flexural failure, as shown
in Fig. 2b. The steel plates covered the shear zones to a dis-
tance of 30 mm from the bottom surface of the beams where
the NSM CFRP strips were inserted in concrete grooves.
With such a configuration, the attached steel plates would
have no direct effect upon possible end-concrete cover
separation.

Type I ordinary Portland cement, tap water, coarse lime-

stone aggregate with 19 mm maximum aggregate size, and
a mixture of fine limestone aggregate and silica sand at 70
and 30%, respectively, were used in casting the concrete
mixture used in this work. A commercial superplasticizer
was added to the mixture to achieve the target workabil-
ity. The coarse aggregate gradation met the requirements
of the ASTM method C33 [14]. The physical properties of
the different aggregate particles were measured according to
ASTM specifications with the results listed in Table 2 [14].
The proportions of concrete ingredients were determined
using the ACI-211.1 mix-design method to achieve a cyl-
inder compressive strength of 35 MPa at 28 days of moist
curing and a slump of about 100 mm [15]. The mixture’s
proportions of cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate,
silica sand, water, and superplasticizer were 430, 870, 506,
217, 236, and 3.23 kg/m3, respectively.
4.2 Test Specimen
Nineteen beams (150 × 250 × 1400 mm) were reinforced
with 2φ12 mm steel bars in compression side (top), and
2φ14 mm in tension side (bottom), with steel stirrups of φ8
mm spaced @ 75 mm (center-to-center); the steel detail-
ing is shown in the schematics of Fig. 2a. The mechanical
characteristics for the steel bars were determined at room
temperature from their stress–strain diagrams and are listed
in Table 3. Additional shear reinforcement using two pairs
4.3 CFRP Composites
NSM CFRP strips and their prescribed adhesive from SIKA
were used for strengthening different specimens. Their prop-
erties, as provided by the manufacturer (SIKA), are shown
in Tables 4 and 5, respectively.
4.4 Concrete Mixing, Casting, and Curing
A tilting drum mixer of 0.15 m3 was used for mixing the
concrete ingredients. At first, a little amount of water was
added in the mixer to wet the surface, then coarse aggregates
were added and wetted with some water while the mixer
was rolling. Afterwards, cement, fine aggregate, silica and
water were added gradually and alternatively, before add-
ing a superplasticizer to the mixture at 0.75% by cement
weight to achieve the required workability. Finally, the
ingredients were blended for about 1 min in the mixer to
obtain a cohesive mixture. Concrete was placed in the molds
in three layers, and each was compacted using a vibrator,
before the third layer was finished smooth by a trowel. The
specimens were demolded after 24 h, and then covered with
wet burlap for another 27 days. Standard cylinder speci-
mens (100 × 200 mm) were also cast, cured in wet burlap
and tested for compressive strength after 28 days according
to ASTM C 39 [14].

13
 International Journal of Civil Engineering

Fig. 1  Strengthening configurations using NSM CFRP strips as illustrated by bottom and cross-sectional views of the concrete beams

4.5 Bonding NSM CFRP Strips

Table 2  Physical properties of aggregate used in the present work
Properties Aggregate In order to install the NSM CFRP, grooves at a depth of
CL FL SS 70% FL + 30 SS 22.5 mm and width of 8 mm were created within the beams’
concrete cover at different spacing values using an electri-
BSG (D) 2.41 2.60 2.59 2.62 cal drill, as shown in Fig. 3. The dimensions for the grooves
FM NA 3.25 1.6 2.8 were chosen upon the recommendation of Seo et al. [10]
Absorption (%) 2.1 1.7 0.5 NA and taking into account the geometric dimensions of the
UW (kg/m3) 1401 1612 NA NA NSM CFRP strips used. The grooves were cleaned by air
CL coarse limestone, FL fine limestone, SS silica sand, BSG (D) bulk vacuuming and direct brushing, before being wetted with
specific gravity, FM fineness modulus, UW unit weight a volatile compound to reduce surface humidity. Later, the

13
International Journal of Civil Engineering

Fig. 2  Schematics of present
control and strengthened beams,
designed to failure in flexure

bonding epoxy was squeezed into the grooves until filled the epoxy, squeezed out, and used to cover the strips by a
completely to expel air bubbles before the NSM CFRP special spatula.
strips were pressed into the full depth of the grooves with

13
 International Journal of Civil Engineering

Table 3  Physical and mechanical properties of the reinforcing steel at 4.6 Test Setup

ambient temperature
Bar diameter YS (MPa) US (MPa) EAF (%) All beams were simply supported while being subjected to
(mm) two-point load around the center, as shown in Fig. 2. One
8 390 570 13
linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) was posi-
12 441 641 8
tioned at the mid-span to measure the vertical deflection,
14 608 732 7.5
whereas another LVDT was used to measure the strain in
CFRP strips. The latter was mounted on two small exten-
YS yield stress, US ultimate stress, EAF elongation at failure sions of NSM CFRP strips, attached to the main NSM CFRP
strips at two points spaced at 160 mm around the center of
the beams (Fig. 2b illustrates LVDTs distribution). The load
Table 4  Physical and mechanical properties of SIKA NSM CFRP was applied using a hydraulic testing machine of 250-kN
strips capacity under a loading rate of 0.02 kN/s. Measurements of
Fiber type NSM CFRP load versus vertical deflection, and NSM CFRP elongation
were acquired electronically by a data acquisition system.
Fiber orientation 0° (unidirectional)
Fiber density 1.6 g/cm3
Strip width 15 mm
5 Mechanical Response of Beams
Strip thickness 2.5 mm
Strengthened with NSM CFRP Strips
Cross-sectional area 37.5 ­mm2
Mean tensile strength 3100 N/mm2
The mechanical behavior of NSM CFRP-strengthened beams
Tensile E-modulus 165,000 N/mm2 (nominal)
was investigated considering the effect of key parameters,
Strain at break > 1.7% (nominal)
namely NSM CFRP strips’ embedment length, number,
spacing, positioning relative to main steel and staggering.

Table 5  Properties of SIKA Color Cement grey

epoxy used for bonding CFRP
strips Mixed density at 25 °C 1.8 g/cm3 (approx)
Sag flow Non-sag on vertical surface
Flashpoint NA
Shrinkage 0.04%
Compressive strength-ASTM C579 85 N/mm2 at 3 days
Flexural strength according to ASTM 25 N/mm2 at 7 days
Tensile strength according to ISO 527 18 N/mm2 at 7 days
Shear strength according to ASTM 21 N/mm2 at 7 days
Bond to concrete > 4 N/mm2 at 1 day (concrete fracture)
E-modulus-ASTM and ISO 527 10,000 N/mm2 (compression and tension)

Fig. 3  Creating single and multiple grooves on the tension side of the beam: a sawing procedure; b a schematic showing the dimensions of the
groove

13
International Journal of Civil Engineering

5.1 Effect of Embedment Length
Figure  4 shows the load–deflection curves for different
beams, strengthened by two NSM CFRP strips at embed-
ment lengths of 150, 250 and 450  mm, respectively, as
compared to that of control (C) ones. The curves showed
linear behavior at the initial stages of loading before became
nonlinear behavior thereafter. The beams, strengthened with
NSM CFRP at embedment lengths of 150, 250 and 450 mm,
achieved a load capacity of 115, 133 and 154% of that for
control beams, respectively, reflecting the benefit of extend-
ing further NSM CFRP strips beyond the high moment zone.
The curves’ characteristics are shown in Table 6, with their
residual properties computed as the percentage of mechani-
cal properties for strengthened beams to that of control
beams.
Results of Table 6 show that the residuals for rotational
ductility, stiffness, and toughness, pertaining to beams with
300
250
200
Load (KN)
NSM CFRP at embedment lengths of 150, 250, and 450 mm
were (120, 107 and 136%), (95, 109 and 113%) and (85, 113
and 111%), respectively. As can be deduced, the beams with
the longest embedment length achieved the highest flexural
load capacity and stiffness, yet attained reduced rotational
ductility. The results from direct measurements of strains
in NSM CFRP strips at failure (reported in Table 6) are in
agreement with earlier conclusions related to the positive
impact of longer embedment length upon repair efficiency.
The positive impact of extending further NSM strips towards
the beams’ supports upon flexural load capacity and stiff-
ness of strengthened beams may be referred to two major
factors: (a) shifting of termination points of the strips in
concrete beams towards zones where fewer load-generated
cracks exist, and (b) reducing average bond stress between
the NSM CFRP strips and concrete, and consequently, the
average horizontal shearing stresses in the vicinity of the
strips’ ends. Accordingly, the initiation and progression of
concrete cover separation required relatively higher trans-
verse loads. The reduced ductility and toughness for the
repair cases with higher embedment lengths of NSM CFRP
strips reflected the increase in overall flexural stiffness of
strengthened beams.
5.2 Effect of Number of CFRP Strips

150
C_SN2_EL(45)_SP_7.5
100 Figure  5 shows load-deflection curves for the beams
C_SN2_EL(25)_SP_7.5
50 C_SN2_EL(15)_SP_7.5 strengthened with different numbers of NSM CFRP strips at
C a constant embedment length of 250 mm as compared to that
0 of control (C) ones. The curves showed linear behavior at the
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Deflec on (mm)
initial stages of loading before turned nonlinear afterwards.
Beams with one, two, and three NSM CFRP strips achieved
load capacity values of 137, 133 and 146%, respectively, of
Fig. 4  Load versus deflection for beams strengthened using two NSM
CFRP strips at a spacing value of 75 mm and embedment lengths of that for control beams, reflecting the benefit of increasing the
150, 250, and 450 mm total cross-sectional area of NSM CFRP strips. Furthermore,

Table 6  Mechanical characteristics of control and strengthened beams

Beam designation ULC (kN) AULC (kN) RD S (MN/m) T (J) 𝜀f (µ) 𝜀f

𝜀fu

C 165 (100%)a NA 2 (100%) 21.9 (100%) 1891 (100%) NA NA

C_SN1 _EL(25) 226 (137%) 210 1.75 (88%) 23.2 (105%) 2003 (106%) 7600 42%
C_SN2 _EL(15)_SP7.5 190 (115%) 214 2.4 (120%) 23.5 (107%) 2567 (136%) 4300 24%
C_SN2 _EL(25)_SP7.5 219 (133%) 241 1.9 (95%) 23.8 (109%) 2140 (113%) 6700 38%
C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP7.5 254 (154%) 282 1.7 (85%) 24.8 (113%) 2089 (111%) 11,400 64%
C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP5 265 (161%) 281 1.9 (95%) 24.2 (111%) 2674 (141%) 11,000 61%
C_SN2 _EL(45)_SP10 270 (164%) 280 1.8 (90%) 24.6 (112%) 2137 (113%) 12,000 67%
C_SN3 _EL(15)_SP5 188 (114%) 214 2.5 (125%) 23 (105%) 2760 (146%) 3400 20%
C_SN3 _EL(25)_SP5 240 (146%) 254 1.5 (75%) 26.7 (112%) 1550 (82%) 5200 30%
CSN3 _EL(2 × 15 − 1 × 45)_SP5 236 (143%) 266 1.9 (95%) 24.2 (111%) 1793 (95%) 6000 34%

ULC ultimate load capacity, RD rotational ductility, S stiffness, T toughness, 𝜀f strain in NSM CFRP, 𝜀fu ultimate strain of NSM CFRP, AULC
analytical ultimate load capacity, NA not applicable
a
 Residual properties

13
 International Journal of Civil Engineering

300 300

250 250
200 200
Load (kN)

Load (kN)
150 150
C_SN3_EL(25)
100 C_SN2_EL(45)_SP_7.5
C_SN2_EL(25) 100
50 C_SN1_EL(25) C_SN2_EL(45)_SP_10
C 50 C_SN2_EL(45)__SP_5
0 C
0 5 10 15 20 0
Deflec on (mm) 0 5 10 15 20
Deflec on (mm)
Fig. 5  Load versus deflection for beams strengthened using different
number of NSM CFRP strips at an embedment length of 250 mm Fig. 6  Load versus deflection for beams strengthened using two
NSM CFRP strips at spacing values of (50, 75, and 100 mm) and an
embedment length of 450 mm

the results, as listed in Table 6, showed that the residuals for

(rotational ductility, stiffness, and toughness) were (88, 106
and 106%), (95, 109 and 113%), and (75, 122 and 82%),
respectively. Thus, the duplicate beams, strengthened with
three NSM CFRP strips, achieved the highest flexural load
capacity and stiffness, yet the lowest rotational ductility and
toughness. It can be stated that the higher improvement in
ultimate load capacity upon the use of more NSM CFRP
strips is justified by the increase in the cross-sectional area
of the strips, extended to a satisfactory embedment length
of 250 mm. On the contrary, the increase in horizontal shear
stress interaction upon the implementation of more NSM
CFRP strips had caused premature concrete peeling-off at
relatively lower deflections, undermining both ductility and
toughness [6, 10, 11].
5.3 Effect of Lateral Location of NSM CFRP Strips
Figure  6 shows load–deflection curves for the beams,
strengthened with two NSM CFRP strips at an embedment
length of 450 mm and different spacing values of 50, 75,
100 mm, were compared to that of control (C) ones. The
curves showed linear behavior at the initial stages of loading
before turning nonlinear thereafter. According to Table 6,
the residuals for (load capacity, rotational ductility, stiffness,
toughness) for concrete beams with two NSM CFRP strips
NSM CFRP strips at a spacing value of 75 mm, showed clear
degradation with main characteristics reduced to (154, 85,
113 and 111%), respectively. Here, the strips were exactly
aligned at the same lateral position as the main reinforcing
steel. Therefore, the relatively thin concrete layer, located
between the strips and reinforcing steel, demonstrated low
resistance to horizontal shearing stress. This resulted in a
premature separation of concrete cover at relatively low
loads [10].
5.4 Effect of Staggering of Embedment Lengths
Figure  7 shows load–deflection curves for the concrete
beams, strengthened using three NSM CFRP strips without
and with embedment length staggering, as compared to that
of control (C) ones. The curves for load versus deflection
followed similar trend behavior as that observed for other
strengthened beams. As can be deduced from Table 6, the
residuals’ characteristics in terms of (load capacity, stiffness,
250
200
150
Load (kN)

extended beyond the high moment zone to 450 mm, and

spaced laterally at 50 and 100 mm, were (161, 95, 111, and 100
141%) and (164, 90, 112 and 113%), respectively. These C_SN3_EL(2x15 -1x45)_SP_5
C_SN3_EL(15)_SP_5
mechanical responses reflected relatively low sensitivity 50
C
towards strips’ spacing, contrary to the case with residual
0
ultimate strain, which experienced increasing trend as strips’
0 5 10 15 20
spacing was increased: the residual ultimate strain was Deflecon (mm)
increased from 61 to 67% when spacing was increased from
50 to 100 mm with a noticeable change in the failure mode
Fig. 7  Load versus deflection for beams strengthened using three
of strengthened beams, as discussed later on. On the other NSM CFRP strips at a spacing value of (50  mm) without and with
hand, the mechanical behavior for beams, strengthened with embedment lengths staggering

13
International Journal of Civil Engineering
rotational ductility, and toughness) were (114, 111, 95, and
95%) and (143, 105, 125, and 146%) for the cases without
and with strips’ staggering, respectively. This suggests that
staggering of NSM CFRP strips in concrete beams imparted
additional improvement in the residuals for flexural capacity,
rotational ductility, and toughness of strengthened beams
by about 29, 30, and 51%, respectively, yet caused a slight
reduction in stiffness by 6%. The strain in NSM CFRP strips
of the case with staggering increased by 70% as compared
to the case without staggering, supporting the significant
improvement reported in flexural capacity. The noticeable
benefit from staggering can be attributed to the reduced
interaction of horizontal shearing stresses between NSM
CFRP strips due to the subsequent termination of these strips
beyond the high moment zone [6, 10, 11]. This helped in
improving the ultimate load capacity, ductility and tough-
ness at failure due to delayed concrete cover detachment.
The above results encourage further investigation to substan-
tiate the contribution of staggering to promoting structural
performance.
Fig. 8  Mode of failure for beams reinforced with different embedment lengths of NSM CFRP strips (side view: left; bottom view: right)
6 Mode of Cracking and Failure Under
Loading
6.1 Effect of Embedment Length of CFRP NSM Strips
The failure modes for beams, strengthened with two
NSM CFRP strips at embedment lengths of 150, 250 and
450 mm, are shown in photos in Fig. 8. With load applica-
tion, flexural cracks initiated at the middle zone at loads
of 50, 52 and 59 kN, respectively, before spreading along
the entire span. With further load application, end-cover
separation was initiated by the formation of vertical crack
across the concrete cover at the termination of the NSM
CFRP strips at loads of 75, 100 and 175 kN, respectively.
This was followed by the propagation of a major horizon-
tal crack at the level of the tension reinforcement towards
the high-tension zone, until the crushing of concrete com-
pression zone. Hence, debonding-type failure (end-cover
separation) was recognized.
13

6.2 Effect of Number of CFRP Strips
The failure modes for concrete beams, strengthened with
one and three NSM CFRP strips at an embedment length of
250 mm, are shown in photos in Fig. 9. With load applica-
tion, flexural cracks initiated at the middle zone at loads
of 52 and 50 kN, respectively, before spreading along the
beams’ spans. Later, end-cover separation was initiated by
the formation of a vertical crack across the concrete cover
at the termination of the NSM CFRP strips at loads of 130
and 95 kN, respectively. This was followed by propagation
of a major horizontal crack at the level of the tension rein-
forcement towards the high-tension zone, until crushing of
concrete with end-cover separation clearly indentified.
6.3 Beams Strengthened with NSM CFRP Strips
at Different Lateral Locations
The failure modes for concrete beams, strengthened with two
NSM CFRP strips at same embedment length of 450 mm,
yet having different spacing values of 50 and 100 mm, are
shown in photos in Fig. 10. With load application, flexural
cracks were initiated at the middle zone at loads of 45 and
42 kN, respectively, before spreading along the beams spans.
Prior to failure, cracks extended deeper into the compression
zone, and flexure-type failure was recognized. This was not
the case when the two strips were placed at 75 mm along
the same longitudinal alignment as main steel reinforcement,
where failure occurred by end-cover separation, as shown
in Fig. 9.
Fig. 9  Mode of failure for beams reinforced with different numbers of NSM CFRP strips (side view: left; bottom view: right)
13
International Journal of Civil Engineering
6.4 Effect of Staggered NSM CFRP Strips
The failure modes for beams, strengthened with three NSM
CFRP strips at an embedment length of 150 mm, were simi-
lar to those, strengthened with three CFRP strips at embed-
ment lengths of 450 mm for the middle strip and 150 mm for
the edge strips. Flexural cracks initiated at the middle zone
at loads of 50 and 52 kN before spreading along the beams’
spans, respectively. End-cover separation was initiated by
the formation of vertical crack across the concrete cover
at the termination zones of the 150-mm-NSM CFRP strips
when loads of 65 and 60 kN were reached, respectively. This
was followed by propagation of a major horizontal crack
at the level of the tension reinforcement towards the high-
tension zone, until crushing of concrete in the compression
zone.
7 NSM CFRP Strips’ Key Repair Parameters:
An Overview
The present findings with regard to the impact of repair
key parameters were validated through comparisons with
three literature works similar to the present one. Further-
more, other key parameters, not considered in the present
work, were highlighted and a short critique review presented
regarding the efficiency of published empirical models for
the prediction of repair efficiency using NSM CFRP strips.
The findings of three different literature works are sum-
marized in Table 7 along with those of the present study [8,
12, 16]. The data reflected the impact of most key parameters
International Journal of Civil Engineering
Fig. 10  Mode of failure for beams reinforced with two CFRP strips at embedment length of 45 cm and different lateral spacing (side view: left;
bottom view: right)
considered in literature. These included embedment length,
number of NSM CFRP strips, spacing between strips, and
stiffness of NSM CFRP strips. Other key parameters, not
reflected in the presented data, included man-made groove
size, spacing between strips and reinforcement, and rein-
forcement magnitude and distribution [17].
The present findings indicate that higher embedment
lengths help in delaying NSM CFRP strips’ end separation.
Therefore, using the highest possible extension of strips,
from points of maximum moment to supports, would have
additional advantage for repair represented with increased
load capacity, stiffness and toughness. These improvements
cannot be related solely to the increased bond between the
strips and concrete as a result of using higher embedment
lengths, but rather to the shift in the termination point of
strips towards supports, thus delaying the transverse crack
triggered due to sudden moment reduction [7]. The spacing
between constant numbers of NSM CFRP strips across the
width of the strengthened beams had a tangible impact upon
flexural performance, hence inducing strain in strips at fail-
ure (Table 7 shows 17% increase in strain at failure of NSM
CFRP strips upon spacing increase between strips). Gener-
ally, as spacing and embedment lengths were increased, ulti-
mate strains in NSM CFRP strips tended to increase because
of the reduction in the effect of strip–strip interaction [6, 10,
11]. This means that interactions between load-induced hori-
zontal shearing stresses at concrete cover level become inef-
fective, especially near the termination points of NSM CFRP
strips. Consequently, peeling-off concrete cover would be
delayed or prevented, and hence, the ultimate load capacity
and stiffness as well as strain induced in NSM CFRP strips
would be increased.
Using NSM CFRP strips of similar embedment lengths
but at a higher number in the range of 1–3 per beam had
a beneficial impact on improving flexural performance in
terms of induced strain in the strips at failure, as can be
deduced from the present findings as well as those by
Haddad and Almomani [16] and Hong et al. [12]. Of course,
further investigation is needed to establish the impact of
using strips at numbers greater than three per beam on
the structural characteristics of NSM CFRP-strengthened
beams.
13
 International Journal of Civil Engineering

Table 7  Present and literature Beam designation Ref. fc′ (MPa) n Geometric properties (mm) ϵf ϵf
ultimate strains strips for (µs) ϵfu
(%)
varying material and geometric GW GD tf Wf S Lf
properties of NSM CFRP-
strengthened beams C_SN2_EL (15) P 35 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 150 4300 25
C_SN2_EL (25) 35 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 250 6700 39
C_SN2_EL (45) 35 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 450 11,400 67
C_SN1_EL (25) 35 1 8 25 2.5 15 75 250 7600 45
C_SN3_EL (25) 35 3 8 25 2.5 15 50 250 5200 31
C_SN3_EL (15) 35 3 8 25 2.5 15 50 150 3400 20
C_SN3_EL (2 × 15 − 1 × 45) 35 3 8 25 2.5 15 50 250 6000 35
C_SN2_EL (45) 35 2 8 25 2.5 15 50 450 11,000 65
C_SN2_EL (45) 35 2 8 25 2.5 15 100 450 12,000 71
HD_SN2_EL (15) Ref. [16] 10 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 150 2200 13
HD_SN2_EL (25) 10 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 250 3400 20
HD_SN2_EL (45) 10 2 8 25 2.5 15 75 450 4200 25
HD_SN3_EL (15) 10 3 8 25 2.5 15 50 150 2000 12
ALII-2 Ref. [12] 27 2 4 15 2.8 10 78 1500 10,410 61
AMI-2 34 2 4 15 2.8 10 79 1500 11,285 66
AMII-2 34 2 4 15 2.8 10 78 1500 10,034 59
AMIII-1 34 1 4 15 2.8 10 125 1500 10,953 64
AMIII-2 34 2 4 15 2.8 10 76 1500 11,359 67
AMIII-3 34 3 4 15 2.8 10 51 1500 12,013 71
PMIV-1 34 1 4 15 2.8 10 200 1500 9873 58
PMIV-2 34 2 4 15 2.8 10 151 1500 11,702 69
PMIV-3 34 3 4 15 2.8 10 101 1500 11,456 67
B-N-1-2 Ref. [8] 35 1 15 25 2.4 25 75 1950 9700 57
B-N-2-2 35 2 15 25 1.2 25 50 1950 12,800 75

P present results, b beam’s width, n number of strips, GW groove width, GD groove depth,
tf thickness of NSM CFRP strips , Wf width of NSM CFRP strips, S spacing between strips, Lf embedment
length from point of high moment region to support, 𝜀f strain in NSM CFRP strips at failure

The compressive strength of concrete had a clear impact
on the flexural performance, as supported by present findings
as well as those by Haddad and Almomani [16] and Hong
et al. [12]. The ultimate strain of NSM CFRP strips showed
drastic reductions that exceeded 50% when compressive
strength was reduced by more than 70% and a mild reduction
of less than 8% when compressive strength was reduced by
20%. Of course, the impact of strength is reflected in tension
cracking resistance as well as in the bond between strips and
concrete [10]. The stiffness of NSM CFRP strips, not studied
in the present work, had a clear impact on the ultimate strain
of NSM CFRP strips, resulting in repair efficiency. The work
by Khalifa [8] showed that the latter was increased by about
32% when a single strip, instead of two NSM CFRP strips,
was inserted in 15-mm-wide grooves.
In fact, most literature models that proposed to predict
ultimate strain in NSM CFRP strips at failure had considered
either very limited number of the key parameters, as is the
case with the models by Barros and Kotynia and ACI com-
mittee 440.2 [18], or overlooked major key factors, as is the
case with the model by Teng et al. [19]. The shortcoming
in the latter model is represented in ignoring the impact of
strip–strip interaction, which would have a clear effect upon
end-cover separation of strips, especially those inserted in
concrete beams at close lateral distances. Accordingly, it is
essential to develop new empirical models based on a vast
range of literature data, while accounting for different key
variables, including NSM CFRP strip–strip interaction [10].
Such a model would be a great asset for the future design of
flexural repair using NSM CFRP strips.
8 Prediction of Ultimate Load Capacity
of Strengthened Beams
The experimentally obtained ultimate load capacity for NSM
CFRP-strengthened beams were compared to analytical pre-
dictions according to ACI 440R [18]. First, strains in concrete
and steel were determined using Eq. (1) based upon the geo-
metric characteristics of the beams’ cross section and strains
measured in NSM CFRP strips at failure moment, while
assuming that the plain section before bending remains plain

13
International Journal of Civil Engineering

after bending. The compressive force in the compression side ( )

3c
was then computed according to the Hognestad model, incor- Cc 8
+ Cs� (c� )
porated into Eq. (2) [20], with εo and εu taken as 0.002 and dc =
Cc + Cs�
0.003, respectively, whereas the forces in compression and
tension steel and NSM CFRP strips were determined using
T (d) + Tf (df ) (6)
dt = s
Eq. (3). Following this, the neutral axis location, c, was deter- Ts + Tf
mined based upon the equilibrium of the different forces, pro- 2M
Pu =
vided in Eq. (4). Accordingly, the resultant compression forces x
in concrete, C, and tension, T, acting at distances dc and dt,
respectively, from the top fiber of the concrete were obtained. where Pu is the ultimate load capacity, and x is the distance
Finally, the theoretical ultimate moment and load were com- from either support to the nearest point load.
puted using Eqs. (5) and (6). Theoretical load capacities for different strengthened
{
c d−c c − c� beams along with those experimentally measured are listed in
𝜀c = 𝜀f 𝜀s = 𝜀f 𝜀�s = 𝜀 , (1) Table 6. The error of prediction ranged from 4 to 13%, with
df − c df − c df − c f
an error average of 8%. This showed that the measured load
where 𝜀c , 𝜀s , 𝜀′s and 𝜀f are strains in concrete, tension and capacity for different beams was accurate and proportional to
compression steel, and CFRP strips, respectively, in terms reinforcement quantities and configuration.
of distance between NSM CFRP strips and top concrete sur-
face, df, depth of neutral axis from the top surface of beams,
c, and distance between compression steel center and upper 9 Conclusion
concrete surface, c′.
� Based on the above discussion, the following conclusions
� � � ��
⎧ C = 2 ∗ f � ∗ 2*𝜀c − 𝜀c 2 bc can be derived:
0 < 𝜀c < 𝜀o
⎪ 3 c
� �
𝜀o 𝜀o
⎨ � � � � ,
⎪ C = 2 fc� 1 − 0.15 (𝜀c − 𝜀o
2
bc 𝜀 < 𝜀 < 𝜀 1. Strengthening reinforced concrete beams with NSM
⎩ 3 𝜀u −𝜀o o c u
CFRP strips contributed to improving their load capacity
(2) while reducing their ductility, depending on the embed-
where fc is the compressive strength of concrete whereas b
′
ment length. The residual ultimate load capacity and
is the width of the beams. rotational ductility achieved its highest and lowest at an
embedment length of 450 mm, at 154 and 85%, respec-
⎧ C� = A� E 𝜀� Es 𝜀�s ⩽ fy tively.
⎪ s s s s
2. The noticeable improvement in load capacity and stiff-
⎨ Ts = As Es 𝜀s Es 𝜀s ⩾ fy , (3)
⎪ Tf = Af Ef 𝜀f ness of concrete beams, strengthened with three instead
⎩ of one or two NSM CFRP strips, was undermined by
the reduction in rotational ductility. Strengthening with
where Cs′ and Ts are compression and tension forces in top NSM CFRP strips at one or two layers resulted in lim-
and bottom steel, respectively, and Tf is the tension force ited improvements in ultimate load capacity and stiffness
in NSM CFRP strips. A′s and As are cross-sectional areas while preserving ductility and toughness.
of top and bottom steel reinforcement, whereas Af is the 3. The findings of the present work showed that positioning
cross-sectional area of NSM CFRP strips. Es′ and Es are NSM CFRP strips at different longitudinal alignments
cross-sectional areas of top and bottom steel reinforcement, of main reinforcing steel of present beams contributed
whereas Ef is the cross-sectional area of NSM CFRP strips. to avoiding failure through end-cover peeling-off.
∑ ∑ 4. Staggering NSM CFRP strips in strengthened beams
F = (T − C) = 0, (4) imparted improvement in the residual flexural capac-
ity and residual toughness by as much as 30 and 51%,
where C and T are compression and tension forces acting
respectively, yet caused a slight reduction in stiffness by
on the beam’s cross section.
6% as compared to the case without.
M = (C or T) (dt − dc ), (5) 5. The literature data relevant to the effect of NSM CFRP
where M is the moment capacity of the beams, and dt and strips’ repair parameters confirmed the present findings
dc are computed as follows: and emphasized the need for more representative empiri-
cal models to predicted ultimate strain in strips at failure.
6. The analytical predictions for ultimate load capacity
experimentally confirmed the results with an average

13

prediction error of 8%. Further modeling using nonlinear
finite element would allow generating more data while
considering various key parameters that could aid in the
development of empirical models for practical design of
flexural repair with NSM CFRP strips.
Acknowledgements  The authors acknowledge the technical and finan-
cial support provided by the research deanship at Jordan University of
Science and Technology (project number 153/2015) and the assistance
by the technicians at the structural and materials laboratory via the
Department of Civil Engineering.
Funding  Dean of Scientific Research, Jordan University of Science
and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, 22110 Irbid, Jordan.
References
1. Sun J, Huang Q, Ren Y (2015) Performance deterioration of cor-
roded RC beams and reinforcing bars under repeated loading.
Constr Build Mater 96: 404–415. https​://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbu​
ildma​t.2015.08.066
2. Demir A, Tekin M, Turali T, Bagci M (2014) Strengthening of RC
beams with prefabricated RC U cross-sectional plates. Struct Eng
Mech 49(6):673–685. https:​ //doi.org/10.12989/​ sem.2014.49.6.673
3. Jones R, Swamy RN, Charif A (1988) Plate separation and anchor-
age of reinforced concrete beams strengthened by epoxy-bonded
steel plates. Struct Eng 66(5):85–94
4. Raval S, Dave U (2013) Effectiveness of various methods of
jacketing for RC beams. Proc Eng 51:230–239. https​: //doi.
org/10.1016/j.proen​g.2013.01.032
5. Haddad RH, Al-Rousan RZ, Al-Sedyiri BK (2013) Repair of
shear-deficient and sulfate-damaged reinforced concrete beams
using FRP composites. Eng Struct 56:228–238. https​: //doi.
org/10.1016/j.engst​ruct.2013.05.007
6. Ceroni F, Pecce M, Bilotta A, Nigro E (2012) Bond behavior of
FRP NSM systems in concrete elements. Compos B 43:99–109.
https​://doi.org/10.1016/j.compo​sites​b.2011.10.017
7. Haddad RH, Almasaeid HH (2016) Recovering shear capacity of
heat-damaged beams using NSM CFRP strips. Constr Build Mater
105:448–458. https​://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbu​ildma​t.2015.12.152
8. Khalifa AM (2016) Flexural performance of RC beams strength-
ened with near surface mounted CFRP strips. Alex Eng J
55(2):1497–1505. https​://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2016.01.033
13
International Journal of Civil Engineering
9. Peng H, Zhang J, Cai CA, Liu Y (2014) An experimental study
on reinforced concrete beams strengthened with pre-stressed near
surface mounted CFRP strips. Eng Struct 79:222–233. https:​ //doi.
org/10.1016/j.engst​ruct.2014.08.007
10. Seo S, Feo L, Hui D (2013) Bond strength of near surface mounted
FRP plates for retrofit of concrete structures. Compos Struct
95:719–727. https​://doi.org/10.1016/j.comps​truct​.2012.08.038
11. Lee D, Cheng L (2013) Bond of NSM systems in concrete
strengthening—examining design issues of strength, groove
detailing and bond-dependent coefficient. Constr Build Mater
47:1512–1522. https:​ //doi.org/10.1016/j.conbui​ ldmat​ .2013.06.069
12. Hong KN, Han JW, Seo DW, Han SH (2011) Flexural response
of reinforced concrete members strengthened with near-surface-
mounted CFRP strips. Int Phys Sci 6(5):948–961. https​://doi.
org/10.5897/IJPS1​0.222
13. American Concrete Institute (2008) Building code requirements
for structural concrete and commentary (ACI-318). American
Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills
14. ASTM International (2004) American Society for Testing and
Materials International (ASTM). ASTM International, West
Conshohocken
15. ACI Manual of Concrete Practice (2008) Standard practice for
selecting proportions for normal, heavyweight, and mass concrete
(ACI 211.1), Part I: Materials and general properties of concrete.
ACI, Detroit
16. Haddad R, Almomani O (2017) Recovering flexural performance
of thermally damaged concrete beams using NSM CFRP strips.
Constr Build Mater 154:632–643. https:​ //doi.org/10.1016/j.conbu​
ildma​t.2017.07.211
17. Barros J, Kotynia R (2008) Possibility and challenges of NSM for
the flexural strengthening of RC structures, In: Fourth interna-
tional conference on FRP composites in civil engineering (CICE
2008), Zurich, p 6
18. ACI Committee 440 (2008) Guide for the design and construc-
tion of externally bonded FRP systems for strengthening concrete
structures (440.2R-08). American Concrete Institute, Farmington
Hills, p 76
19. Teng JG, Zhang SS, Chen JF (2016) Strength model for end cover
separation failure in RC beams strengthened with near-surface
mounted (NSM) FRP strips. Eng Struct 110:222–232. https​://doi.
org/10.1016/j.engst​ruct.2015.11.049
20. Hognestad E, Hanson NW, McHenry D (1955) Concrete stress
distribution in ultimate strength design. ACI J Proc 52(4):455–480