Author : Eyad Kadhem Sayhood, Ammar Abbas Ali and Zahraa Saleem Sharhan

This study presents an experimental investigation of the behavior of Sixteen simply supported two way reinforced concrete slabs, which were tested up to failure under the action of concentrated patch load to examine the effect of different types of strengthening on their behavior. All the slabs had the same overall dimensions and flexural steel reinforcement. Five types of strengthening were adopted. The first and second methods include applying either near surface mounted (NSM) or near reinforcement mounted (NRM) ferrocement layers. While the third method includes applying a concrete layer reinforced with welded wire fabric mesh of various diameters. The fourth and fifth methods include fixing CFRP rods and laminates, respectively, on the bottom face of slabs. Strengthening techniques were applied on the bottom surface of fifteen slab specimens. In addition, a control slab specimen without any strengthening was used for purpose of comparison. All the strengthening techniques made an enhancement in the ultimate and cracking strength. The test results showed that both carbon fiber laminates and rods greatly increase the cracking strength and also improve the ultimate load capacities and deflection response.

Keywords: Two-Way Slabs, Strengthening Techniques, Fine Wire Mesh, Welded Wire Fabrics, CFRP Rods, CFRP Laminates.

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.7, No.3 (June-2017)