Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete beams using high-performance fiber reinforced concrete

Abstract

Although normal reinforced concrete beams are frequently subjected to damaging steel corrosion and high loads, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of reinforcing them with High-Performance Concrete (HPC). Two types of beams were constructed for this objective: type I with weak shear reinforcement and type II with weak flexure reinforcement. A non-strengthened reference beam was compared to three different beams, one with discontinuous shear HPC plates and a continuous bending plate, one with continuous shear and bending HPC plates, and one with continuous shear HPC plates. The developed 3D finite element model (FEM) was validated by comparing its results to those of experimental research. The validated numerical model was used to examine the critical parameters associated to the design of RC beams reinforced with HPFRC layers. The eight beams were then analyzed under two-point loading, and the results were compared to check how effective the reinforcing material and procedure performed, as well as the effectiveness of the bottom HPC plate in the tension zone and the difference between continuous and discontinuous shear HPC plates. All reinforced beams had an increased maximum load capacity and less deformation than the control beams, according to the study results. When the reinforcement was weak in flexure, the bottom plate was effective; nevertheless, when the reinforcement was sufficient, it did not lead to any measurable improvement in load capacity. Furthermore, the performance of continuous plates surpassed the discontinuous plates. The models' results were in good agreement with the experimental data, as they were able to accurately anticipate the behavior of the beams, although that these models might yield a minor stiffer reaction than the real values. Further studies need to be performed to investigate the efficiency of HPFRC strengthening plates on longer span lengths. However, a typical beam's span length varies between 3 and 4 meters, although the beams tested were just 75 cm long. As a result, more research into the effectiveness of HPFRC strengthening plates on longer span lengths is required.