Validating an analytical method to predict flexural behavior of RC T-beams retrofitted with bonded steel wire ropes in the negative moment region

Abstract

In this day and age, a rewarding and new structural strengthening technique for civil structures is steel wire rope (SWR) strengthening. The ideal technique for structural analysis is the finite element method. Nonetheless, it could be an expensive and a challenging task to develop a model through the finite element method for a simple problem, for instance, cross section analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Therefore, in order to predict the flexural behavior of T-section RC beams, strengthened in the negative moment region with bonded steel wire ropes, researchers performed an analytical validation through a program based on the modified compression field theory (MCFT), namely Response-2000. They chose experimental data from the test conducted on three T-section RC beams in 2012. Subsequently, the collected results were compared with calculations from the fiber-elements method, constructed in excel spread sheets. Reasonably precise calculations of load-deflection responses, up to the peak load, were offered by the developed analytical model, however, the ductility of the beams was underestimated. The validated model was then utilized to study the impact of SWR diameter on the behavior of strengthened beams. This analytical investigation reveals the effectiveness of SWR bonded systems as an alternative strengthening technique, with the aim of enhancing the flexural capacity of RC beams.