Experimental investigation on the behaviour of patched reinforced concrete column under eccentric loading: a case of compression failure

Abstract

The performance of reinforced concrete (RC) element may be deficient for a variety of causes. Correct actions should be taken to resume the performance of the deficient element to maintain the strength and serviceability of the structure. A deficient RC column element may be identified in the form of spalling of concrete cover. A patching method could be selected to recover the damaged area and, hopefully, regain the strength of the damaged RC column to its original value. This research aims to investigate the suitability of patch repair material to recover the performance of damaged RC column. The investigation is carried out by comparing the behaviour of patched RC columns with the corresponding normal RC column. The eccentric loading has been set up in this investigation to induce compression failure of the RC columns. The simulated area of damage is patched using unsaturated polyester resin mortar (UPR mortar). The results indicate that the mode of failure is not induced at the patched sections. The presence of patching causes a redistribution of stress at the patched section in such a way, so a higher stress transfer occurs in the undamaged zone and in the longitudinal reinforcements compared to those of the normal column. The capacity of the patched RC columns is only 71–92% of the normal RC column.