Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beam Subjected to Shear Loading using Deep Embedment Method

Abstract

This research investigates the behaviour of non-engineered reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with embedded steel bars. Two RC beams, namely control beam (Beam-A) and strengthened beam (Beam-B) were fabricated and tested under shear loading. Beam-B was strengthened with four 12 mm steel bars embedded in the core of the concrete beam. The results showed that Beam-A experienced shear failure while Beam-B failed in flexural tension where most cracks developed in the flexural span. The embedded steel bars were proven to shift failure mode from shear failure on Beam-A to flexural one on Beam-B. Furthermore, the shear capacity of the strengthened beam was enhanced by 31% compared to that of the control beam.