Flexural behavior of rc slabs strengthened in flexure with basalt fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix

Abstract

This paper presents both experimental and analytical research results for predicting the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened in flexure with basalt fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). A total of 13 specimens were fabricated to evaluate the flexural behavior of RC slabs strengthened with basalt FRCM composite and were tested under fourpoint loading. ,e fiber type, tensile reinforcement ratio, and the number of fabric layers were chosen as experimental variables. ,e maximum load of FRCM-strengthened specimens increased from 11.2% to 98.2% relative to the reference specimens. ,e energy ratio and ductility of the FRCM-strengthened specimens decreased with the higher amount of fabric and tensile reinforcement. ,e effective stress level of FRCM fabric can be accurately predicted by a bond strength of ACI 549 and Jung s model.