1. This paper reports on a series of four-point bending experiments to investigate the shear capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with externally bonded basalt fiber–reinforced polymer (BFRP) sheets.
2. A three-dimensional finite-element model (FEM) based on the application of cohesive elements was developed to analyze the fracture and mechanical behavior of BFRP sheet–strengthened RC beams.
3. The influence of key parameters such as sheet elastic modulus, sheet bonding area, and sheet bonding angle on the shear capacity of BFRP sheet–strengthened RC beams was investigated.
The article “Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams without Stirrups and Strengthened with Basalt Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Sheets” by Wei Zhang et al is a comprehensive study that provides an in-depth analysis into the behavior of reinforced concrete beams when strengthened with basalt fiber–reinforced polymer sheets. The authors present their findings from a series of four-point bending experiments and propose a three-dimensional finite element model to analyze the fracture and mechanical behavior of these beams. They also investigate the influence of key parameters such as sheet elastic modulus, sheet bonding area, and sheet bonding angle on the shear capacity of these beams.
The article is well written and provides detailed information about its research methods, results, and conclusions. The authors have provided sufficient evidence for their claims through their experiments and numerical simulations, which makes it reliable and trustworthy. Furthermore, they have discussed potential risks associated with using BFRP sheets for strengthening RC beams, which adds to its credibility.
However, there are some points that could be improved upon in this article. For instance, while the authors have discussed various advantages associated with using FRP reinforcement for strengthening RC beams, they have not explored any potential drawbacks or counterarguments related to this method. Additionally, while they have discussed various parameters that can affect the shear capacity of BFRP sheet–strengthened RC beams, they have not discussed other factors such as temperature or humidity that may also play a role in determining these capacities. Finally, while they have presented both sides equally in terms of discussing advantages versus drawbacks associated with FRP reinforcement for strengthening RC beams, they could provide more detail about potential risks associated with this method so that readers can make an informed decision about whether or not it is suitable for their particular application.