STRENGTHENING OF STRUCTURES BY HPFRCC LAMINATES

This paper presents the results of experimental, analytical and numerical studies concerning the flexural strengthening of RC beams using externally bonded High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HPFRCCs) like Slurry Infiltrated Fibre CONcrete (SIFCON) and Slurry Infiltrated Mat CONcrete (SIMCON). A total of ten reinforced concrete beams were cast and tested in the laboratory over an effective span of 3000 mm. Eight beams were strengthened with bonded SIFCON and SIMCON laminates at the bottom under virgin condition and tested until failure; the remaining two beams were used as control specimen. Static responses of all the beams were evaluated in terms of strength, stiffness, ductility ratio, energy absorption capacity factor, compositeness between laminate and concrete, and the associated failure modes. Comparisons were made between experimental, analytical and numerical results of SIFCON and SIMCON. The results show that the strengthened beams exhibit increased flexural strength, enhanced flexural stiffness, and composite action until failure.