Numerical investigation of the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with textile reinforced mortar

Textile composite materials with cement based adhesive have been developed recently by the construction industry for strengthening of concrete structures. Textile reinforced mortar (TRM) materials are known to be more compatible with the concrete substrate and can provide a substantial gain in compressive strength and deformability of the structure, as well as a better performance at high temperatures and during fire when compared to other strengthening materials such as fibre reinforced polymer. In this study, the effect of select physical (thickness) and mechanical (modulus of elasticity) properties of different types of TRM reinforcement (carbon, poly-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazolem (PBO), and steel fibres) with different reinforcement ratio has been investigated on the ensuing flexural performance of RC beams, by means of a finite element (FE) model. The response variables were the beam’s load carrying capacity, mid-span deflection, effective stiffness, and failure mode. Results of the numerical simulation and factorial design analysis indicated that the application of TRM sheets can be effective in strengthening the RC beams with a statistical significance of α=5%, under all of the above-mentioned response variables, in some cases as much as 109% when compared to the unstrengthend RC beam.Applied Science, Faculty ofEngineering, School of (Okanagan)Graduat