Flexural strengthening of RC beams with prefabricated ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete laminates

The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams that were strengthened with prefabricated ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) laminates. In order to receive consistent results while using UHPRFC and enhance the effectiveness of its usage on site applications, it has been considered to apply UHFRPC as a laminated plate. Furthermore, differently applied UHPFRC laminates were tested to determine which method is more effective for flexural strengthening of RC beams. Accordingly, each application method was evaluated by its own benefits and the subsequent application procedure was determined after seeing the deficiencies and the positive state of previous application. In view of that, seven specimens, one of which was the control specimen and six of which were the under-reinforced test specimens, were strengthened with 50 mm thick UHPFRC laminates. A minimum increase of 32% and a maximum of 208% at load carrying capacity was obtained from the UHPFRC strengthened specimens. Consequently, UHPFRC laminate usage is an effective technique to enhance the behavior and the load carrying capacity of RC beams and can be preferred to strengthen deteriorated structures.