HYBRID COMPOSITE PREFABRICATED (HCP) PANELS TO INCREASE THE

STRENGTH AND ENERGY DISSIPATION CAPACITY OF RC MEMBERS

ESMAEEL ESMAEELI*
University of Minho Supervisor: Joaquim Barros
School of Engineering
ISISE
* esmaeeli@civil.uminho.pt
SFRH/BD/ 65663 /2009

RC Column Direct tensile stress-strain test to study global response of the

Introduction
Developing hybrid composite prefabricated (HCP) panels and
exploring their applications to strengthen RC members are the main
objectives of the present project. The HCP thin panel is composed of
a strain-hardening high performance fibre cementitious composite
(HPFCC) reinforced with a polymeric grid (inside or bonded to
external face of the panel). Using adhesive and bolts (optional) this
panel is fixed to the structural element for strengthening purposes.
The HPFCC has enhanced resistance to high temperatures, providing
extra protection for resin adhesive and it gives extra protection to
vandalism acts. The panel also provides enough stiffness for the
bolting system in order to prevent significant stress concentration on
the grid. Both experimental and numerical studies will be done to
characterise the HCP panel behaviour and its applications.
(a)
(b)
Typical HCP panel with polymeric grid (a) mounted inside of the
panel (b) glued to the external face of the panel
Objectives
1. Development of an effective and cost competitive strengthening
technique that can increase effectively the flexural and the shear
strengthening of RC members, as well as the energy dissipation
capacity of this type of structural elements;
2. Assessment of the effectiveness of the hybrid prefabricated panel
for the increase of shear strength and energy dissipation of “T”
shape beam-column joint.
3. Develop a design guideline for the flexural and shear strengthening
of continuous reinforced concrete beams according to the
proposed strengthening strategy. The results obtained from this
research will be available for eventual use in the ambit of the fib TG
9.3 – FRP and ACI 440 – FRP guidelines.
HCP_Panel for flexural and
shear strengthening of
columns
HCP_Panel to increase
the negative bending
moment of beam
Slab
RC Beam
HCP_Panel for shear
strengthening of beam
HCP_Panel to increase the
positive bending moment of beam
Schematic view of the strengthening technique using HCP panel
Research Progress and the Obtained Results
Up to this stage of the study the HPFCC is being developed. For this
purpose a mix design composed of cement, fly ash, limestone filler,
sand, water, superplasicizer and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibres, in one
and two percent in volume of total mix, was prepared. To characterize
the mechanical properties of HPFCC, flexural and direct tensile tests
were carried out. The out coming results evidence a flexural strain-
hardening behaviour of tested prisms. From the scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) it was found that the slip-hardening mechanism in
the fibbers-matrix interface was not fully developed due to premature
rupture of fibbers. This is related to the strong chemical and interfacial
bond,
SEM analysis showed fiber rupture and surface abrasion due
strong interfacial bond between cement mortar and PVA fibbers
developed composite in terms of strain ductility and formation of
diffuse crack patterns was performed. The obtained results showed
the formation of a multiple crack pattern with a maximum strain at
failure crack localization of around 0.7%.
Global tensile stress-strain
response of developed
HPFCC with a strain
hardening around 0.7%.
Low workability and low strain capacity are two major problems faced
when developing ECC using polymeric fibbers. In the current stage of
the research, the workability is being increased in order to contribute
for a better fibre dispersion, using a modification of the rheological
characteristics of the mix. Different types of superplasticizers and
viscosity modifiers are being used. To measure the deformability and
viscosity (flowability), mini slump and V-funnel tests are being
performed, respectively. As a result of some trials, a mix with 180 mm
diameter of mini slump test and a flow rate of 11 seconds in the V-
funnel test were obtained. These values are in the range of a self
compacting mortar. It should be noted that to insure the self-levelling,
L-box test should be performed.
Mini slump test with 180 mm diameter
proved enhanced deformability and
better fibber dispersion
Acknowledgment
The author would like to acknowledge the FCT –for financial support
provided under the Doctoral grant (SFRH/BD/ 65663 /2009).

Engenharia para a Qualidade de Vida: CIDADE – Semana da Escola de Engenharia -11 a 16 de Outubro de 2010