Influence of Polyurea Coatings on Low-Longitudinal-Reinforcement-Ratio Reinforced Concrete Beams Subjected to Bending

“Polyurea coatings as a possible structural reinforcement system” is a research investigation that aims to explore the possible applications of polyurea coatings for improving structural performance (including steel, concrete, timber and other structures used in the construction industry). As part of the research in this field, this paper focuses on evaluating the performance of bending polyurea-coated reinforced concrete (RC) beams with a low reinforcement ratio. The easy application and numerous advantages of polyurea can prove very useful when existing RC structural elements are repaired or retrofitted. Laboratory tests of RC beams were performed for the purpose of this paper. The failure mechanisms and cracking patterns of these specimens are described, and their bending strengths were compared. On this basis, the effect of the coating on bending strength and the performance of the reinforced beams at the serviceability limit state (SLS) was examined and analyzed. The results showed that the use of a polyurea coating has a positive impact on the cracking and deflection state of RC beams and makes it possible to safely use RC elements on a continuous basis under high levels of load.