Strengthening of Predamaged Reinforced Concrete Beams by Ferrocement Plates

Abstract

This paper reveals the work associated with the behaviour of strengthening the predamaged reinforced concrete beams by using ferrocement plates. The study presented here elaborates the mechanical properties of ferrocement with three different volume fractions of reinforcements. Ferrocement laminates are introduced to enhance the overall performance of reinforced concrete beams. Eight beams of size 125mm width, 250mm depth and 3200mm overall length were cast and tested for flexure. Out of eight beams two beams were treated as control beams and the remaining six beams were loaded to a predetermined damage level, and strengthened by fastening ferrocement laminates. Fastening of ferrocement laminates onto the surface of the predamaged beam was done by using epoxy resin adhesive. The strengthened beams were again tested for ultimate load carrying capacity by conducting flexural test. A comparative study was made between the control beam, the predamaged beams strengthened by ferrocement laminates. From the test results it could be seen that ferrocement can be used as an alternative strengthening material for the reinforced concrete beams damaged due to overloading.