Numerical simulation of continuous RC slabs strengthened using NSM technique

Abstract

The effectiveness of the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) technique for the increase of the flexural resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams and slabs was already well proved. The NSM technique is especially adapted to increase the negative bending moments of continuous (two or more spans) RC slabs. However, the influence of the NSM strengthening on the moment redistribution capability of RC structures should be investigated. Recently, an exploratory experimental program was conducted to assess the level of moment redistribution that can be obtained in two span RC slabs strengthened with NSM strips for negative bending moments. To help the preparation of an extensive experimental program in this domain, the values of the parameters of a constitutive model, implemented into a FEM-based computer program, were calibrated from the numerical simulation of these tests. The main aspects of the experimental program are presented, the numerical model is briefly described and the numerical simulations are presented and analyzed.