Prolonging service life and enhancing the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) structures calls for new approaches in addition to the well established techniques. The recent development in the field of structural adhesives, particularly the ones that are based on epoxy resins, has led to the development of new technique of strengthening RC structures by adhesively bonded external plates. In this method strengthening, an epoxy adhesive is used to bond steel plates to over stressed regions of RC members. Regularly, the steel plates are situated in the tension zone of concrete to improve the flexural limit. The plates can also placed in the compression and shear regions for enhancing the axial and shear capacities of the RC structural elements. The continuous shear connection between the Reinforced Concrete member and the external plates are provided through adhesives, a concrete-adhesive-steel composite structural member is developed to cater for the added live load effects on the structures. Epoxy bonded steel plates have been used to strengthen or repair buildings and bridges in many countries around the world. This technique can be utilized to strengthen the load carrying members. However, the technique requires a considerable amount of surface preparation both on concrete and steel plates to achieve the reasonable bond between them, through epoxy film. Attempts have been made in this paper both conventional and high performance concrete strengthened by 30 cm & 90 cm long steel plates on the tension face and also beams without steel plates are used. In this investigation the first crack load, deflection of beams, compressive and tensile strains of the beams are measured.
Volume 11 | Issue 6
Pages: 434-441