Enhancing the behavior of reinforced concrete box girders under Two-point Loading: Numerical and experimental investigations. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eltaly, Boshra A.; Shaheen, Yousry B.I.; Tayeh, Bassam; Henish, Amany A.
• Is Part Of: Structures. Volume 52(2023)
• Page Start: 386
• Page End: 400
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Ferrocement -- Welded wire meshes -- Expanded wire meshes -- Box girder -- Composite materials -- Carbon fiber reinforced Polymer -- Glass fiber reinforced polymer -- Finite element simulation; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; 624.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-0124

Abstract

Highlights: This study focuses on the behavior of Reinforced Concrete Box Girders (RCBGs) and the impact of strengthening these types of beams using different strengthening methods and materials. These methods depended on the use of ferrocement laminate at the tensile side or in the form of a U-shape, the number of meshes, as well as its type (welded or expanded) and the use of composite materials (CFRP and GFR). The composite materials were applied at the tensile side only and wrapping the composite material around the web like a U-shape along the total beam's length or as strips with different sizes and spacing. Structural performance factors such ductility ratio, energy absorption, failure mechanism, deflection and ultimate capacity are studied. Also the studied beams were represented by a FE program and their outcomes were compared with the practical results. Abstract: Reinforced Concrete Box Girders: RCBGs are considered in concrete bridges as significant members and they have been closely accepted as bridge systems due to their structural efficiency: economical construction, serviceability, high stability and aesthetic requirements. The aim of the current research is determining the best way to enhance the behavior of RCBGs, which includes the outcomes of practical and numerical programs of 15 samples tested under bending. The use of ferrocement laminate on the tensile side or in the form of a U-shape, the number of meshes, as well as their type (welded or expanded), and the use of composite materials: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP and GFRP) were all considered. For composite materials, the strengthening was applied at the tensile side only and wrapping the composite material around the web like a U-shape along the total beam's length or as strips with different sizes and spacing. The results indicated that wrapping GFRP and CFRP sheets like a U-shape along the total beam's length gave the same ultimate loads and it represents the highest load of the tested beams. It increased by ∼ 78 % than the control beam. The numerical model gave good results in comparison with the test results. The difference between them does not increase ∼ 13 %.