Numerical modelling of reinforced concrete flexural members strengthened using textile reinforced mortars

Externally bonded(EB)and near-surface mounted(NSM)bonding are two widely adopted and researched strengthening methods for reinforced-concrete structures.EB composite substrates are easy to reach and repair using appropriate surface treatments,whereas NSM techniques can be easily applied to the soffit and concrete member sides.The EB bonded fiber-reinforced polymer(FRP)technique has a significant drawback:combustibility,which calls for external protective agents,and textile reinforced mortar(TRM),a class of EB composites that is noncombustible and provides a similar functionality to any EB FRP-strengthened substrate.This study employs a finite element analysis technique to investigate the failing failure of carbon textile reinforced mortar(CTRM)-strengthened reinforced concrete beams.The principal objective of this numerical study was to develop a finite element model and validate a set of experimental data in existing literature.A set of seven beams was modelled and calibrated to obtain concrete damage plasticity(CDP)parameters.The predicted results,which were in the form of load versus deflection,load versus rebar strain,tensile damage,and compressive damage patterns,were in good agreement with the experimental data.Moreover,a parametric study was conducted to verify the applicability of the numerical model and study various influencing factors such as the concrete strength,internal reinforcement,textile roving spacing,and externally-applied load span.The ultimate load and deflection of the predicted finite element results had a coefficient of variation(COV)of 6.02%and 5.7%,respectively.A strain-based numerical comparison with known methods was then conducted to investigate the debonding mechanism.The developed finite element model can be applied and tailored further to explore similar TRM-strengthened beams undergoing debonding,and the preventive measures can be sought to avoid premature debonding.

Experimental investigation on concrete overlaid with textile reinforced mortar:Influences of mix,temperature,and chemical exposure

Textile reinforced mortar is widely used as an overlay for the repair,rehabilitation,and retrofitting of concrete structures.Recently,textile reinforced concrete has been identified as a suitable lining material for improving the durability of existing concrete structures.In this study,we developed a textile-reinforced mortar mix using river sand and evaluated the different characteristics of the textile-reinforced mortar under various exposure conditions.Studies were carried out in two phases.In the first phase,the pullout strength,temperature resistance,water absorption,and compressive and bending strength values of three different textile-reinforced mortar mixes with a single type of textile reinforcement were investigated.In the second phase,the chemical resistance of the mix that showed the best performance in the abovementioned tests was examined for use as an overlay for a concrete substrate.Investigations were performed on three different thicknesses of the textile reinforced mortar overlaid on concrete specimens that were subjected to acidic and alkaline environments.The flexural responses and degradations of the textile reinforced mortar overlaid specimens were examined by performing bending tests.The experimental findings indicated the feasibility of using textile reinforced mortar as an overlay for durable concrete construction practices.