Numerical analysis of two reinforced concrete beams strengthened with high strength fiber reinforced cementitious grout

Abstract

The project aims to demonstrate the importance of using High Strength Cementitious Grout (HSCG) and steel fibers to increase the capacity of reinforced by controlling plastic shrinkage cracking. Previous research consisted of conducting comprehensive experimental studies for beams of various length, strength, size, and steel reinforcement. The main purpose of this study is to verify the test results numerically by using finite element modeling software “ABAQUS” with the help of Grasshopper software. As a result, parametric studies can be developed to examine the effects of HSFRCG on stiffening of reinforced concrete beams. Recently, two different reinforced concrete beams were tested with different types of HSFRCG. The first beam is a reinforced concrete beam strengthened with a 5 cm thick HSFRCG layer using steel fibers. The second beam was cast using normal concrete mixed with long steel fibers. Based on close collaboration between test results and numerical analysis results, a parametric study was conducted numerically which consisted of varying size and location of reinforcing steel bars, concrete strength, and thickness of HSFRCG layer to study their effects on the structural behavior of the beams. The stress variation and load deflection curves are mainly presented in this study.