Improving Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beam Failure Behavior Using Externally Bonded UHPFRCCs System

This study aims to examine the failure behaviour of damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams retrofitted using externally bonded ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced cementitious composites (UHPFRCCs) systems at different levels of damage levels. To overcome the sudden failure in shear at supports, one strip of UHPFRCCs was bonded on the tension face with four short strips on vertical sides covering the tension strip supports and ends of damaged RC beams. The results show that an increment in the average failure capacity over that of control beams was in the range of 24.37 to 38.39%. Moreover, the serviceability of RC beams showed a marked enhancement in failure mode, crack development and deflection capacity. 0.0% of the retrofitted beams failed in shear mode. It can be concluded that, the externally bonded UHPFRCCs technique can be used for improving the RC flexural members.

Automated summary

The study examines the failure behavior of damaged reinforced concrete beams retrofitted using externally bonded ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (UHPFRCCs) at different levels of damage. By bonding UHPFRCCs on the tension face and covering the tension strip supports and ends of damaged RC beams, the average failure capacity was improved by 24.37% to 38.39%. The serviceability of the RC beams also showed enhancement in failure mode, crack development, and deflection capacity.