Strengthening of RC Beams using SWM SCC Jacketing, A FE Numerical Modelling Study

Abstract

Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with Self-compacting concrete (SCC) jacketing reinforced with galvanized welded steel wire mesh (SWM) has been an important area of study so far. Increasing the mechanical characteristics of (RC) beams and structures to maintain the required service life and load capacity of any (RC) structure is an exciting study area. In this research, a Finite Element (FE) investigation is conducted on a series of (RC) beams that were previously strengthened experimentally with Self-compacting concrete (SCC) jacketing reinforced with galvanized welded steel wire mesh (SWM). A (FE) model will be conducted to predict the strengthened beams' load-deflection behaviour and crack/failure pattern. Based on both experimental and numerical model achieved results, the FE model results will give some important conclusions and recommendations regarding the experimental strengthening of RC beams using this technique. Another external steel plate strengthening technique will be used and checked to compare with the SCC SWM strengthening technique. The FE results showed that the strengthened jacketed samples (with SWM SCC in addition to an external steel plate) restored, on average, 150 % and 172 % of the original control beams' load capacity for groups A and B, respectively. Using an external steel plate slightly increases the stiffness and decreases the ductility of the tested beams. Even though it increased the ultimate load capacity of the strengthened beams with SCC.