This work, presented in two parts, deals with the evaluation of design models for reinforced concrete structures strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP). In this first part, flexural models from ACI 440 and fib-14 guidelines, and recent models available in the literature, are evaluated. These criteria were applied to a total of twenty five beams strengthened in flexure with CFRP composites and tested by the authors: sixteen with rectangular cross section and nine with "T" cross section. Different types of carbon fiber composites (sheets and laminates) were applied, from different manufacturers available in the Brazilian market. Results show a good match among the rupture loads calculated using the ACI-440 guidelines for flexural strengthening and the corresponding values observed in the tests.
carbon fiber reinforced polymers; bending strengthening; experimental tests; analytical models