Behaviour of reinforced concrete beams enhanced with polymer modified ferrocement

Dramatic advances in the use of ultra-high-strength microdefect-free materials in the form of extruded cement pastes that achieve high tensile and torsional strength inspired the work reported in this paper. This involved the development of a high-strength polymer modified mortar that can provide quantitative repair enhancement as well as extending the life of deteriorated concrete members. This paper reports on the development of the repair mortar, its application in the repair of 1.0m long concrete beams repaired employing various bonding agents and the structural behaviour under flexural loading. Ultimate strength experimental results are compared with theoretical values based on three (Hognestad et al, BS 8110 Stress block and BS 8110 Simplified rectangular block) approaches to determining ultimate capacity of the beams. Benefits derived from the application of the reinforced repair material and its impact on the ultimate and cracking loads, cracking characteristics, efficiency of bonding systems and improved ductility and stiffness are discussed.