Flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using ferrocement laminates

Abstract

The study reported herein investigates the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened and repaired with ferrocement laminates attached onto the tension face of the beams. Eleven simply supported beams of rectangular cross-section were tested, to failure under concentrated loads. The parameters that were varied were the methods of attachment, the volume fraction of reinforcement of the ferrocement laminates, and the level of damage of the beams. Their performance were compared with the control beams with respect to cracking, deflection and ultimate strength.