Torsional strengthening of reinforced concrete hollow beams with stainless steel wire mesh Available to Purchase

The torsional strengthening of reinforced concrete hollow beams (RCHBs) with externally bonded stainless steel wire mesh (SSWM) was investigated. The experimental programme involved casting and testing eight RCHBs of length 1300 mm and 150 mm × 150 mm cross-section with a 50 mm × 50 mm square hollow section in the centre. The beams were reinforced with 4–10 mm dia. longitudinal bars and 8 mm dia. stirrups at 150 mm centre to centre. Two unstrengthened RCHBs were designated as control specimens and the other six beams were strengthened using three different SSWM wrapping configurations. The test results were analysed based on torque–twist behaviour and the influence of SSWM on cracking torque, ultimate torque and failure modes. A numerical model was developed to predict the behaviour of RCHBs using the finite-element (FE) software Abaqus. The predictions of peak torque and corresponding twist obtained from the FE modelling showed good agreement with the experimental results. Based on the outcomes of this study, SSWM can be considered a feasible material for the torsional strengthening of reinforced concrete elements.