Experimental study on SFRC beams and slabs strengthened with FRCM composite materials

As shown in literature, Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems represent an effective solution to restore and upgrade the load carrying capacity of structural elements. In this paper, the flexural strengthening of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) beams and slabs is investigated. The experimental campaign is focused on the mechanical characterization of the composite material, the evaluation of the interface bond-slip behavior and the verification of the FRCM reinforcement effectiveness by means of full-scale tests on beams and slabs. Structural elements are previously damaged at the ultimate limit state level and subsequently retrofitted. The results obtained and the comparison with theoretical predictions of the capacity increase are presented and discussed.