Numerical modeling on varying patch repair size of cracked beam using engineered cementitious composites

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the size effect of the patched repairing material applied to the cracked beam. Design/methodology/approach: Numerical analysis was conducted on a simply supported cracked beam with a dimension of 200 × 25 × 15 cm using ABAQUS software. The behavior of concrete and engineered cementitious composites (ECC) in the simulation are described as concrete damage plasticity model. Linear elastic-plastic model was used to represent the behavior of rebar steel. The type of patching consisted of the varying ratio of lengths and depths, including patching length to total length ratios of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4, and patching depth to total depth ratios of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5. Findings: Results show that variations in the patching length and depth ratios affect the maximum flexural load, stiffness and ductility of the repaired beam. It was also found that repairing the cracked beam by using ECC provides higher flexural load of the beam than the use of conventional concrete, owing to the superior tensile strength of ECC. Originality/value: ECC is the cementitious-based mortar that contains the special selected poly vinyl alcohol fiber having high tensile strength. ECC has been known to exhibit high ductility, high tensile strength and improve durability performance. Thus, ECC is suitable as repairing material for patching cracked beam. By investigating the size of the patched repairing material applied to the cracked beam, the structural performance of repairing beam and the effectiveness of the various patching size were achieved.