Flexural Strengthening of Two-Way RC Slabs with Textile Reinforced Mortar: Experimental Study and Calculation Model

Textile reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening can improve the anti-aging performance of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, and significantly improve the rust problem of steel plates and bending performance of RC slabs. To study the effect of TRM on the flexural capacity of two-way RC slab, four sided simply supported bending tests were conducted on two TRM strengthened concrete slabs and an unstrengthened control slab. And the effects of different strengthening techniques on the flexural capacity and bending deformation capacity of the two-way RC slabs were investigated. It was concluded that the application of TRM to strengthen the two-way RC slabs can effectively improve its bending bearing capacity and bending deformation capacity. Compared with the unstrengthened control slab, the bending bearing capacity of the two strengthened slabs increased by 54.2% and 43.8%, respectively, and the energy absorption value increased by 75.5% and 49.1%, respectively. In addition, compared with control slab, the post-cracking stiffness of TRM reinforced slabs treated with and without interface agents increased by 145.2% and 83.4%, respectively. This indicated that using interface agents for interface treatment could improve the adhesion between the TRM and the original RC slab, thereby preventing the initiation and development of cracks between the new and old interfaces. The strength utilization rate of textile was proposed, and the relationship between strength utilization rate of textile and maximum or minimum distribution network rate was analyzed. Based on the plastic hinge theory a simple calculation formula for the bending bearing capacity of the two-way RC slab strengthened with TRM was proposed, which provided the reference for the application of TRM for strengthening projects.

Automated summary

Textile reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening improves the anti-aging performance of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs and addresses rust issues and bending performance. Adding interface agents enhances the adhesion between TRM and the original RC slab, preventing crack formation at the interface. TRM strengthening significantly increases the flexural capacity and bending deformation capacity of the two-way RC slabs.