Testing and evaluation of PVCC nano layered reinforced concrete T-beam: Experimental study

Abstract

This study examines the performance of reinforced concrete T-beams strengthened with PVCC nano layering and basalt fiber fabric wrapping. TP3, a PVCC nano-layered specimen with 1.2% PVA fiber, and TB2, a basalt fiber fabric-wrapped beam, outperform the other specimens. TP3 has a first fracture load of 112 kN and a maximum ultimate load of 165 kN, with 1.66 times the ductility and 1.51 times the stiffness of the control beam (T0). TP3 also has 1.61 times more energy absorption and the highest energy index, 1.46 times that of T0. TB2 can withstand a maximum ultimate load of 185 kN and has higher ductility, stiffness, energy absorption, and energy index than T0. The experimental results are validated by finite element analysis, which provides useful insights into strengthening procedures in structural engineering applications.