Flexural Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Different Types of Geogrids
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 8
Abstract
This paper describes the behavior of geogrid–reinforced concrete members. The application of geogrids in concrete constitutes a new dimension for using geosynthetics in infrastructure. In pavement applications, geogrids have been used to provide confinement, stabilization, and reinforcement of unbound and asphalt concrete layers, as well as interlayers to mitigate reflective cracking. The ultimate objective of studying the behavior of geogrids in concrete members is to assess the feasibility and benefit of using geogrids in thin concrete overlays. The experimental program consisted of testing 21 simply supported plain and geogrid–reinforced beam specimens under four-point bending. The test parameters included three types of geogrids with different aperture shapes, physical and mechanical properties, and material composition. Additionally, two Portland cement concrete mixtures were used: normal and high strength. Results from testing confirm the reinforcing benefit of the geogrids as evidenced from the load-deflection response in terms of postpeak behavior, load capacity, crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD), and failure mode. Conclusions regarding correlations between the failure properties and the properties of the geogrid are made.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge the support of Tensar International, Tenax Corporation, and the Geoscience Company. The support of Mr. Luc Walter from Tensar is greatly appreciated. Technical help in the lab by Mr. Helmi El-Khatib and Abed El-Sheikh is also appreciated. Help of undergraduate students Mohamad Al Jammal and Ahamd Barazi is appreciated. Thanks are also due to the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (LNCSR) and the University Research Board (URB) at the American University of Beirut for funding this research.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 8 • August 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 7, 2013
Accepted: Aug 12, 2013
Published online: Aug 14, 2013
Published in print: Aug 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Sep 30, 2014
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