AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRENGTHENING OF RECTANGULAR REINFORCEMENT CONCRETE BEAM BYFERROCEMENTREINFORCEMENTLAMINATES

Deterioration in reinforced concrete structures may result from inherent material deficiencies (steel and concrete), unfavorable local conditions, or adverse environmental effects. Structural damage caused by overloading is a significant concern, as it leads to excessive deflection and flexural cracking. This research investigates the behavior and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete beams damaged by overloading. A total of fourteen beams were cast and tested. Two beams (BP1 and BP2) served as control specimens. Six beams (BRP1–BRP6) were retrofitted using ferrocement laminates through the plate loading technique, while another six beams (BRC1–BRC6) were retrofitted using the cast in-situ technique, with each set incorporating three different reinforcement volume fractions. In this study, the beams were preloaded to 67% of their ultimate load-carrying capacity (Pu) to simulate overloading damage. The damaged beams were then rehabilitated using ferrocement laminates with three different reinforcement volume fractions:- 2.192%, 4.384%, and 6.576%. Two rehabilitation techniques were adopted: the plate loading technique and the cast-in-situ technique. The study compares maximum deflection, ductility, energy absorption capacity, and cracking patterns between beams retrofitted using the two techniques. The results provide insights into the effectiveness of each method and suggest suitable retrofitting strategies based on the observed cracking behavior. Keywords: Ferrocement reinforcement laminate, plate loading technique, cast-in-situ technique, structural behavior, retrofitting