RC members externally strengthened with FRP composites by grooving methods including EBROG and EBRIG: A state-of-the-art review

•The papers on the strengthened RC members with FRP via the grooving method are reviewed.•The efficiency of the grooving method compared to the conventional methods is demonstrated.•The grooving method improves the behavior of strengthened member by postponing debonding.•The influential parameters on the performance of grooving method are discussed. In recent decades, the externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) method has been recognized as a desirable and established choice to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The major weakness of this method is the premature debonding of FRP composites from concrete substrates. The grooving method (GM) has been introduced to prevent or postpone premature debonding. This study aims to review the previous studies on strengthening structural members by the grooving method. More specifically, it sought to examine the studies addressing the behaviors of strengthened beams, slabs, columns, and beam-column joints with FRP composites by grooving methods. The effects of groove dimensions as well as the properties of concrete and FRP materials on the performance of the grooving method were evaluated. The enhancements of flexural, shear, compressive, and seismic behaviors of strengthened RC members by grooving method were assessed and their efficiency was compared with the EBR method. The results showed the considerable efficiency of the grooving method in enhancing the performance of all structural concrete members by postponing or preventing premature debonding. Additionally, this method could considerably decrease the amount of consumed material.