Open AccessPerformance of hemp-FRCM-strengthened beam subjected to cyclic loads
Author(s) -
Luis Mercedes,
Virginia Mendizábal,
Lluı́s Gil
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
materiales de construcción
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.539
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1988-3226
pISSN - 0465-2746
DOI - 10.3989/mc.2022.07721
Subject(s) - materials science , cracking , beam (structure) , structural engineering , stiffness , composite material , cementitious , epoxy , bending stiffness , mortar , bending , cement , engineering
Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites are materials that are usually applied to strengthen existing structures. In this study, a hemp mesh coated with epoxy was manufactured and combined with a cementitious matrix to strengthen a concrete beam. This beam was subjected to bending cyclic loading tests and a nondestructive modal analysis test. The modal analysis was performed to determine the dynamic elastic properties of the beam under pre-cracking, post-cracking, and strengthened conditions. The beam stiffness increased following strengthening with hemp-FRCM. The results of the experimental cyclic loading test showed that the hemp-FRCM system improved the load-bearing capacity of the beam at the service limit state by 42%. Analytical and numerical models were adjusted and validated using the experimental results, and both proved to be effective calculation tools. The models accurately reproduced the behaviour of the FRCM-strengthened concrete beam if the strengthening connection could prevent sliding and mortar debonding failures.