Flexural strengthening of low-grade reinforced concrete beams with compatible composite material: Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG)

The central theme of this study is the strengthening of low-performance RC beams with SRG to resist flexural forces. This innovative material forms a cement-based matrix, rather than an organic binder, which is a partial solution for the above-mentioned lack of full compatibility between ancient concrete and externally bonded strengthening solutions. In addition, SRG presents additional advantages such as: fire resistance, durability, and some reversibility. Tests are performed on eighteen reinforced concrete (RC) beams (17 MPa): two reference specimens and sixteen specimens to study particular aspects of the SRG strengthening solution: the strengthening ratio and the performance of two anchorage systems. The results achieved in this research work lead us to conclude that SRG is an effective solution for the retrofitting of low-grade reinforced concrete to increase its load-flexural and deformation capacity.