STRENGTHENING OF RC BEAMS IN FLEXURE USING FERROCEMENT

Abstract

Assessment of the effectiveness of ferrocement strengthening techniques i.e., cast insitu Ferro-mesh layers and precast ferrocement Laminate is the aim of this experimentalinvestigation. To accomplish this objective, ten (10) reinforced concrete beams including onecontrol beam have been intentionally designed and detailed to fail in flexure. Prior tostrengthening, beams have been tested under two-point loading till service limit. Beams have beenstrengthened in the flexural dominant region only and tested to failure under the same loadingarrangement. It has been concluded that strengthening through cast in situ Ferro-mesh layer is themost efficient technique, whereas strengthening of the beams by using precast FerrocementLaminate B is not only easy to implement at household level, but is also promising in terms ofenhancing load carrying capacity, stiffness and ductility.