STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF GEO-GRIDS

The use of geo-grids in reinforced concrete sets a new dimension for employing geo synthetics as reinforcement in structural concrete. The aim of the present study is to investigate the use of geo-grid as a strengthening material to one way reinforced concrete slabs. The experimental program contains testing of six RC slab strengthened with different type of Geo-Grid and one reference slab. The specimens have been tested under two line loads. Experimental results indicate that geo-grid may be an effective alternative material for strengthening of reinforced concrete slabs as compared to conventional confining techniques. Finally, A Finite Element model (FEM) has been developed using ANSYS program to analyze the tested slabs, then the experimental and theoretical results were compared