Strengthening of RC Beams with Solid Steel Plates

Abstract

Strengthening of RC beams by bonding steel plates to the bottom face of the beams against flexure is a commonly used method. However, significant ductility problems have been encountered in the studies carried out so far. In this study a simple and applicable end connection has been developed to achieve a satisfied ductility level in addition to the strength. A total of four full scale RC beams, one of them a reference beam, were prepared and tested. Three beams were strengthened against flexure. Despite the increase in the strength about two-and-half-times, it was found that the behaviour of specimens was still quite ductile.