Comparative Study on Structural Performance Between Reinforced Concrete Beam and Ferro-Cement Laminate Strengthening

The significance of structural maintenance develops when faced with certain damage occurs. Nevertheless, the challenge in reinforcing concrete structures lies in determining a strengthening approach that enhances the structure's strength and serviceability and considers limitations such as constructability, construction operations, and budget. Rehabilitation is a procedure to maintain the structure cracks in an earlier state of functionality with minimal expenses. By utilising homogeneous methods, the main objective of studying ferro-cement experimental use is to strengthen reinforced concrete in certain stress-prone applications significantly. In this study, twelve reinforced concrete beams were cast and investigated for flexural and shear failure modes through load testing compared to control specimens in terms of varying the strength by exploring the load and deformation capacity. The beams were constructed using blinded M20 grade concrete. Beams were tested by a universal testing machine (UTM). The flexural failure mode was evaluated through a single-point loading test, while the shear failure mode was assessed through a two points loading test. This study examines the structural performance of reinforced concrete beams that have been strengthened with ferro-cement laminates. The results are compared to control beams and the load-carrying capacity of RCC beams before and after maintaining to evaluate using American standard ACI-318M-11, ACI-440-2R-08, and ACI 549 for both the control and ferro-cement reinforced beams. The findings indicate that the load-carrying capacity of beams reinforced with ferro-cement for flexural purposes increased by up to 11.43% at the ultimate stage compared to control beams. Additionally, a reduction was observed in deflection and crack width, respectively. In summary, the findings of this experimental study demonstrate that ferro-cement displays enhanced flexural and shear load-carrying capacities, reduced deflection, and decreased crack width, thereby enhancing the structural performance of reinforced concrete beams. Beams have been validated with a numerical predicted approach using American standards.