Structural retrofitting of RC slabs using bamboo fibre laminate: Flexural performance and crack patterns

Paul O Awoyera; Fadi Althoey; Alireza Bahrami; Pius U Apuye; L M Bendezu R; Badr S Alotaibi; J M Prado M; Mohammed A Abuhussain

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e23999

Structural retrofitting of RC slabs using bamboo fibre laminate: Flexural performance and crack patterns

Heliyon. 2024 Jan 4;10(2):e23999. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e23999. eCollection 2024 Jan 30.

Authors

Paul O Awoyera¹, Fadi Althoey², Alireza Bahrami³, Pius U Apuye¹, L M Bendezu R⁴, Badr S Alotaibi⁵, J M Prado M⁴, Mohammed A Abuhussain⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
² Department of Civil Engineering, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
³ Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden.
⁴ Department of Architecture, Ricardo Palma University, Lima, Peru.
⁵ Architecture Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Enhancing the durability of structural elements is a viable approach to promote sustainability in civil engineering. Research has shown that well-maintained slabs outperform degraded ones, which deteriorate rapidly due to insufficient upkeep. The occurrence of cracking and deformation in slabs subjected to sustained loads significantly impacts their functionality. However, the implementation of appropriate retrofitting techniques utilizing locally available materials can effectively minimize deflection and crack propagation while also improving flexural capacity. This particular study aimed to evaluate the flexural performance of slabs that were retrofitted using bamboo fibre laminate (BFL). Also, the study investigated two alternative replacement methods alongside the conventional mix; one involved replacing all fine aggregates with ceramic fine aggregate and the other involved a complete replacement of coarse aggregates with ceramic coarse aggregate. These mixes were represented in both the retrofitted and non-retrofitted samples. The retrofitting process included using the combined external bonding and near surface-mounted method. Twelve slab samples were made, with six being non-retrofitted and the other six retrofitted with BFL. Each of the samples had dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm for reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The slabs were tested employing the three point-bending system, and the retrofitted slabs with the conventional mix exhibited the highest ultimate failure load and flexural strength (62.1 kN), which compared to the non-retrofitted slabs of the same mix was a 60.76% increase. Additionally, the study did a thorough analysis of the presence of flexural and diagonal shear cracks, as well as the occurrence of debonding between BFL and the slabs. Non-destructive tests were also conducted on the slab samples to further confirm accurate results. These findings offer helpful insights into the development and application of a sustainable retrofitting material that can remarkably improve RC slabs.

Keywords: Bamboo fibre laminate; Crack pattern; Flexural performance; Mode of failure; RC slab; Retrofit; Sustainable material.