Shear Behavior and Performance of RC Beams with Polymer Mortar Systems Under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

A series of static cyclic loading tests were carried out to investigate the shear behavior and performance of RC beams with three different polymer mortar systems: (1) a (typical) polymer mortar without fibers, (2) a short-fiber reinforced polymer mortar, and (3) a hybrid polymer mortar incorporating honeycomb steel mesh (HPM). The effectiveness of the three different systems under static cyclic loading was investigated through the crack patterns, failure modes, and loadp-deflection curves of the RC beams. Stiffness degradation and energy dissipation of the RC beams with the three different systems were identified, and the level of damage of structures caused by occurrence, growth, and increase in number of cracks was also analyzed. A hybrid polymer mortar system incorporating a honeycomb steel mesh (HPM system) appears to be a feasible strengthening system for shear-deficient concrete structures. In addition, a comparison between the present experimental result and theoretical result in accordance with the ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318-89) and Commentary-ACI 318R-89, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills) was made to evaluate the shear strength of a control beam as a deep beam.