Flexural capacity of RC beams reinforced with ECC layer and steel plate

This paper presents the results of constructing reinforced concrete (RC) beams with Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) layers and steel plates. Among the eleven sample beams tested under static loading, one was not reinforced, two were reinforced with steel plates (steel RC beams), and the other eight were reinforced with both ECC layers and steel plates (ECC + steel RC beams). Besides, this test adopted the following variables: the connection mode between an ECC layer and an RC beam, the thickness of an ECC layer, and the cross-section area of a steel plate. It can be observed that the combination of the ECC layer and the steel plate on an RC beam significantly delayed the formation and development of cracks, thereby enhancing the over-reinforcement of the steel RC beams, as well as increasing their flexural capacity and ductility. Furthermore, the ultimate load for the ECC + steel RC beams was insignificantly affected by the differences in the connection mode. In addition, the flexural capacity of an ECC + steel RC beam increased as the thickness of the ECC layer and the cross-sectional area of the steel plate increased.