Title: Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Ferrocement Laminate

Author(s): M. A. Al-Kubaisy, Mohd Zamin Jumaat

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 22

Issue: 10

Appears on pages(s): 37-43

Keywords:

DOI:

Date: 10/1/2000

Abstract:
This article investigates the flexural behavior of rectangular reinforced concrete beams strengthened or repaired using ferrocement laminate attached onto the tension face of the beam. The experimental program comprised the testing of 11 simply supported rectangular beams, loaded at midspan. The investigated parameters were type and spacing of shear connectors and the volume fraction of reinforcement in ferrocement laminate. The results showed that strengthening or repairing reinforced concrete beams with ferrocement laminate had resulted in a considerable increase (22-54%) in the ultimate load capacity, a reduction of 25-47% in the crack width at both service and near ultimate load, and a reduction in the midspan deflection. Increasing the spacing of the shear connectors from 300 to 600 mm seemed to have negligible effect on the overall behavior of the tested beams. Composite action was achieved with all types of connectors; however, beams with Hilti bolts as shear connectors developed horizontal cracks at the interface between the reinforced concrete beam and the ferrocement laminate (delamination) just before failure.