Flexural performance of strengthened reinforced concrete beams with DFRCC layer

DFRCC, also known as ductile fiber-reinforced cement composite, was developed as a means to enhance the strength of cement structures. This concrete-based material incorporates ductile fibers to improve its ability to withstand deflection and tensile forces. In this study, the focus was on investigating the performance of reinforced cement beams with a layer of ductile fiber cement composite, produced using mortars modified with 2% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and 1% PVA solution. The DFRCC layers were applied at the tension zone with thicknesses of 10, 20, and 30 mm. The results showed that the ultimate load capacity increased by approximately 7%, 11.5%, and 15%, respectively, while the deflection at the middle span decreased by 18%, 36%, and 22%. Furthermore, the elasticity increased by 40%, 48%, and 62%, respectively, compared to the reference beams. The experimental findings also revealed reduced crack width and a different pattern of damage in the strengthened beams, characterized by flexural cracks in the tension zone, in contrast with the shearing and flexural damage observed in the reference beams.