Structural Retrofitting of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Bamboo Fiber Laminate

Abstract

Corrosion creates a significant degradation mechanism in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, which would require a high cost of maintenance and repair in affected buildings. However, as the cost of repairing corrosion-damaged structures is high, it is therefore pertinent to develop alternative eco-friendly and sustainable methods. In this study, structural retrofitting of corroded reinforced concrete beams was performed using bamboo fiber laminate. Three reinforced normal weight concrete beams were produced, two of which were exposed to laboratory simulated corrosion medium, and the remaining one sample served as control. Upon completion of the corrosion cycle, one of the two corroded beams was retrofitted externally with a prefabricated bamboo fiber laminate by bonding the laminate to the beam surface with the aid of an epoxy resin. The three beams were subjected to loading on a four-point ultimate testing machine, and the loads with corresponding deflections were recorded through the entire load cycle of the beams. Finally, the mass loss of embedded steel reinforcements was determined to measure the effect of corrosion on the beams and the steel. The result showed that corroded beams strengthened with bamboo laminates increase the bearing capacity. Using a single bamboo laminate in the tensile region of the corroded beam increased the ultimate load capacity of the beam up to 21.1% than the corroded beam without retrofit. It was demonstrated in this study that the use of bamboo fiber polymer for strengthening destressed RC beams is a more sustainable approach than the conventional synthetic fibers.

Investigation on Properties of Raw and Alkali Treated Novel Cellulosic Root Fibres of Zea Mays for Polymeric Composites

“…Natural fibre-reinforced polymers have mechanical qualities that are comparable to glass fibre-reinforced composites, according to research in the field. Hence, the structural parts of the automotive sector, such as panels, doors, roofs and covers, as well as furnishing items like office chairs, door panels, safety helmets, concrete beams etc., are mostly produced using natural fibre reinforced plastics [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Natural fibre composites have been integrated into the production of the exterior and interior automotive components.…”

“…Natural fibre composites have been integrated into the production of the exterior and interior automotive components. The cost of materials, sustainability and low density relative to glass fibres are the main benefits of employing natural fibres in composites [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Analyzing the Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructural Impact of Partial Cement Replacement with Pumice Powder and Bamboo Leaf Ash in Concrete

“…The abovementioned characteristic test results indicate good strength and there is no harmful substances in the inert concrete so it may be applicable for dead load structures like partition walls, dividers, compound walls, etc. [77].…”

Natural fibres and biopolymers in FRP composites for strengthening concrete structures: A mixed review

“…Bio-based FRPs have been used to strengthen RC beams in various conditions including regular rectangular beams, pre-damaged beams [65], beams with corroded reinforcement [66,67], beams with insufficient reinforcement [67][68][69][70], beams with openings [71], deep beams [65,72,73] and post-tensioned beams [74,75].…”