Torsional behaviour of reinforced concrete beams retrofitted with aramid fiber

Abstract

Retrofitting is an alteration of existing member or component of the structure. In civil engineering point of view, it is called strengthening of the old structure. Deterioration of structures may be due to aging, corrosion, failure of joints, earthquake forces, increase in service loads, etc. Such structures need urgent repair, retrofitting and strengthening to avoid collapse, cracking and loss in strength or deflection. Advanced techniques are required to be developed for the repair of structural components to replace conventional techniques. This paper focuses exclusively on torsional behaviour of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams and retrofitted RC beams wrapped with aramid fiber. Beams were retrofitted with aramid fiber by full wrapping and in the form of 150 mm wide strips at a spacing of 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm respectively using epoxy resin and hardener. A total 15 numbers of RC beams of 150 mmx300 mmx1300 mm in size were cast, 3 beams are tested as control specimens, and 12 beams are tested for torsion up to the failure and then retrofitted with aramid fiber. Experimental results are validated with the help of data obtained by finite element analysis using ANSYS. The full wrapping configuration of aramid fiber regains 105% strength after retrofitting. With the increase in spacing of fabric material, torsional strength reduces to 82% with about 45% saving in material.