Experimental study on the strengthening of concrete solid slabs in flexure

Abstract EN

Different methods and materials are used to increase the strength of structures and to repair building damages.

Repair and strengthening materials include cement based materials with and without admixtures, adhesives, grouts, steel and plastic fibers, reinforced plastics, steel plates and rolled sections.

The current study involves experimental testing to evaluate different strengthening configurations utilizing both traditional and advanced materials and techniques in order to improve the structural performance of concrete solid slabs.

The investigated techniques included the use of externally bonded GFRP strips, ferrocement and added steel and GFRP mesh reinforcement along with a new cover.

These techniques were intended to increase the flexural capacity and serviceability performance of the test specimens.

The efficiency of the different strengthening techniques was evaluated in terms of measured deflection, cracking and ultimate loads and cracking patterns.

All slabs were tested to ultimate under a single load acting at the slab center.

The load was applied by means of a hydraulic jack supported by a rigid steel frame.

It was found that ferrocement was the most efficient to increase the ultimate load capacity, while the use of externally bonded GFRP strips was efficient in arresting the cracking of test slabs through out the whole loading course.