ABSTRACT
This paper presents a proposed method for repairing reinforced concrete beams with openings using ferrocement laminates as a viable alternative to steel plates which are directly glued to the cracked tension face of the beam by epoxy resins. The results of experimental investigation to examine the effectiveness of this method are reported and discussed including strength, deflections, tensile and compressive strains, cracking, ductility ratio and energy absorption properties of the repaired reinforced concrete beams. Twelve reinforced concrete beams with and without openings were cast and tested until complete failure. All test specimen having the dimensions of 100mm width, 200mm depth and 2000mm long and tested under four lines loadings with effective span 1900mm. The main variables were type of steel mesh welded and expanded metal mesh, number of layers of steel mesh, volume fraction of repaired materials. The experimental results showed that high ultimate and serviceability loads, better crack resistance control, high ductility, and good energy absorption properties could be achieved by using the proposed techniques.