Flexural Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams using Ferrocement Laminates with Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate by Steel Slag

Abstract

This paper presents the investigation report of flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with ferrocement laminates using steel slag from the steel industry as a partial replacement material for fine aggregate. The parameter varied in this study includes volume fraction of mesh reinforcement 1.88% and 2.35% and percentage replacement of steel slag (0% and 30%) to fine aggregate in ferrocement laminate. For experimental investigation, five RC beams of size 1220 mm × 100 mm × 150 mm and four ferrocement laminates of size 1220 mm × 100 mm × 25 mm with different parameters were cast. Four beams were strengthened with ferrocement laminates using the epoxy resin as a bonding agent. One control specimen and four strengthened beams were subjected to flexural test under two-point loading. The observations were focused on first crack load, ultimate load and mid span deflection. From the investigation result, it was concluded that the beams strengthened with ferrocement having a volume fraction of 2.35% and 30% replacement of steel slag increases the load carrying capacity significantly under flexural load. Furthermore, other mechanical properties such as ductility and energy absorption capacity were found to be increased for specimens with 2.35% of volume fraction of mesh reinforcement and 30% of steel slag replacement.