International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 08 | Aug 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Strengthened with Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix Hemanth Raj KB1, Ashwin CA2 1PG Student (M tech), Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology
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Abstract - Strengthening and retrofitting of reinforced
improvements in flexural and shear capacity of RC members using FRCM, making it an attractive option for retrofitting.
concrete (RC) elements has become essential in modern infrastructure due to increased load demands, deterioration, and revised design codes. Conventional fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems, though effective, are limited by poor fire resistance and the use of epoxy resins. To overcome these shortcomings, Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems, which use cement-based matrices instead of epoxy, offer improved compatibility, durability, and sustainability. In this study, an experimental program was conducted on nine RC slabs (1100 × 1100 × 60 mm), comprising three control slabs and six slabs strengthened using glass FRCM with two and four layers. The slabs were subjected to uniformly distributed loading, and their flexural performance was evaluated in terms of load-carrying capacity, deflection response, and crack propagation. Results indicated that slabs strengthened with two layers of FRCM exhibited a 75% increase in ultimate load capacity, whereas four-layer strengthened slabs showed an enhancement of 128% compared to control specimens. Crack patterns also demonstrated improved ductility and reduced crack width in strengthened slabs. The study concludes that FRCM systems can serve as an effective and practical alternative for the flexural strengthening of RC slabs, combining structural efficiency with cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages.
This study investigates the flexural performance of two-way RC slabs strengthened with glass FRCM. Control slabs and strengthened slabs with varying numbers of FRCM layers were tested under uniform loading to evaluate their behaviour in terms of load capacity, deflection, and crack development.
1.1 LITERATURE REVIEW Koutas and Bournas (2017) performed an extensive experimental investigation on two-way RC slabs strengthened with textile reinforced mortar. They proposed design equations based on their results, where slabs exhibited up to 140% enhancement in flexural capacity. Loreto et al. (2013) studied RC slab-type elements strengthened with FRCM composites and demonstrated significant improvements in load capacity and serviceability without issues of debonding, highlighting its suitability for slab strengthening. Triantafillou et al. (2010) investigated the shear strengthening of RC beams using textile reinforced mortar (TRM). Their results showed TRM increased capacity, but its effectiveness was slightly lower than FRP. However, TRM was found to be more durable and compatible with cementitious substrates.
Key Words: Reinforced Concrete Slabs, Flexural Strengthening, Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix, Glass Fibers, Retrofitting, Structural Rehabilitation, Load Capacity, Deflection.
Bruckner et al. (2008) conducted experimental research on glass FRCM reinforced beams and reported a strength increase of up to 33% when multiple layers and mechanical anchorages were adopted. Their study emphasized the importance of proper anchorage in maximizing efficiency.
1.INTRODUCTION Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures has become essential due to aging infrastructure, increased load demands, and deterioration from environmental effects. Conventional fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) systems, though effective, suffer from drawbacks such as poor fire resistance and dependence on epoxy resins. To address these issues, Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems have emerged as a promising alternative.
1.2 OBJECTIVES To investigate the flexural behaviour of RC slabs strengthened with glass FRCM. To compare ultimate load capacity and cracking behaviour of control and strengthened slabs.
FRCM combines high-strength fibres, such as glass or carbon, with an inorganic cementitious mortar, ensuring better compatibility with concrete, improved durability, and ease of application. Recent studies have shown significant
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To assess the influence of different strengthening layers (two vs. four) on overall slab performance.
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