Numerical parametric study on the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with non-metallic materials

A modified compression field theory and models developed with Response-2000 using the theory were applied to the prediction of the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with the assistance of non-metallic material such as bamboo. Data were retrieved from earlier studies conducted in 2017 and two RC beams were used as specimens with one designed as the control beam (BC) while the other was strengthened through a near-surface mounted technique using four bamboo strips (BB). The study showed the accuracy of the models developed in predicting the responses of load-deflection up to the peak load, but underestimated figures were generally obtained from the predictions of beam ductility with an average of 34.41% difference. The models also provided conservative predictions of the flexural capacity for the beams with the ratios of 1.16 and 1.04 for BC and BB respectively. Moreover, the model developed was observed to be efficient in making quick and accurate predictions on the flexural strength based on a normalized mean square error (NMSE) of 0.006 and also has the ability to determine the conditions with the potential to cause the collapse of the reinforced concrete beams. Furthermore, the validated model was later used to study the impact of bamboo diameter, concrete compressive strength, and steel reinforcement ratio on strengthened beams behaviour.