DIC (Digital Image Correlation) method in the research of RC beams strengthened with PBO-FRCM materials

Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland

^* Corresponding author: dorota.marcinczak@pwr.edu.pl

Abstract

The article presents tests of a reinforced concrete beam strengthened in a shear with PBO-FRCM composite materials. Measurement of the deformation of the composite was carried out using two methods - with strain gauges and the optical DIC method (Digital Image Correlation). The DIC method consists in taking a series of photographs of the tested object before and during loading. The surface of the tested element must have randomly spaced spots that are applied to the object before measurement. During the study, the cameras monitor the shifting of spots against each other, which in comparison to the reference image before loading gives information about strains and stresses of the tested element. Measurements of deformation of composite materials using strain gauges are difficult to clearly analyse, because the strain gauge is in a specific, limited place, which does not correspond to the work of the entire composite. In addition, the strain gauge tends to break at the place of crack. The article discusses this problem by presenting the results of deformation of PBO-FRCM composite meshes measured in two mentioned ways, their comparison and discussion of results.