Description
The use of fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) offers several advantages, making it a potential replacement for conventional fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). The integration of mechanical anchorage enhances the robustness and cost-effectiveness of the FRCM system. This research study is primarily focused on the comprehensive flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams using FRCM. To achieve this, three RC beams were intentionally partially damaged, and subsequently, two layers of FRCM were applied with three distinct strengthening strategies, including options with and without mechanical anchorage. These beams were then subjected to a monotonic four-point bending loading test. Monitoring of the front face of the beam was carried out using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique, while the bottom and back faces were equipped with three acoustic sensors, each with a frequency range of 0-1000 kHz. It was observed that the FRCM strengthening strategy involving mechanical anchorage proved highly effective in increasing the load capacity of the beam by approximately 20% when compared to other strategies using a similar percentage of fabric reinforcement. The analysis of acoustic emission (AE) data involved the assessment of parameters such as event rate, b-value, RA-AF, sentry function, historical index, and frequency content (partial power). These metrics helped in successfully identifying different phases of the test based on changing trends in event rate, and RA-AF over time. The sentry function and historical index revealed the patterns of major events, while the b-value indicated the occurrence of micro and macro cracking during the progression of damage. Frequency analysis was effectively employed to classify various damage mechanisms associated with different material components.
