Analytical Study of FRCM under Elevated Temperature

Raichel Biju George, Shobha Elizabeth Thomas

Abstract: The term strengthening means to increase the capacity of an existing structure and probability that it will survive for a long-period of time. This can be accomplished through strengthening by externally bonded FRP. Externally bonded FRP have advantages like light-weight, high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion which makes it an alternative to conventional methods. But it has certain limitations like poor behaviour of epoxy resin at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and relative high cost of epoxies [1]. The epoxy resin can be substituted with a cementitious matrix to improve the overall performance of strengthening system. This new system is known as Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM). FRCM has long-term durability, inherent heat resistance and compatibility with the substrate. In this paper, the mechanical properties of beam strengthened with FRCM at elevated temperature are studied analytically using ANSYS software. The reduction in load carrying capacity of FRCM strengthened beam at 300?C after 1.5hrs, 2hrs, 3hrs and 6hrs were 2.1%, 2.8%, 5.6% and 12.5% respectively.

Keywords: Strengthening, FRP, FRCM, Elevated temperature