The influence of a polyurea coating on bent reinforced concrete beams with various reinforcement ratios

“Polyurea coatings as a possible structural reinforcement system” is a research project aimed at exploring possible applications of polyurea coatings for improving structural performance (including steel, concrete, wooden and other structures used in the construction industry). As part of the project, this paper focuses on evaluating the performance of bent reinforced concrete (RC) beams covered with a polyurea coating system. Easy polyurea application and its numerous advantages can prove very useful when existing RC structural elements are repaired or retrofitted. Laboratory tests of three types of RC beams with three different longitudinal reinforcement ratios were performed for the purposes of this paper. The tests were designed to determine the bending strength, performance and cracking patterns of the coated RC beams. In addition, a theoretical model was developed to predict the impact of the polyurea coating on the bending strength of the RC beams. On this basis, the effect of the coating on the bending strength and the performance of the coated beams at the ultimate limit state (ULS) was examined and analyzed. The results showed that the use of the polyurea coating has a positive impact on the cracking state of the RC beams subject to bending and little effect on their bending strength.