In 2017, a theoretical and experimental investigation was carried out on reinforced concrete beams integrated within the slab thickness, strengthened with carbon fibre elements. Such kind of beams are commonly used in residential buildings throughout the Mediterranean region and other parts of the world, and cannot be strengthened on the sides because of the presence of the slab.

The study showed significant increases in shear strength, confirming the effectiveness of composite material reinforcement in improving the structural performance of wide or flat beams.

The strength increase was 27% with respect to the unstrengthened reference beam.