Parameter analysis and design method of ultra-high performance concrete shear strengthening RC beams

In recent years, bridge safety accidents caused by insufficient shear bearing capacity of bridges have attracted increasing attention. The main causes include internal factors such as insufficient bridge section and deterioration of steel bars, as well as external factors, for example, vehicle load surge and improper maintenance. To address this issue to some degree, this article adopts the method of strengthening RC beams with ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and conducts parameter analysis using finite element method, taking into consideration the influence of four parameters: reinforcement material, reinforcement thickness, reinforcement length, and reinforcement form on the shear strengthening characteristics of RC rectangular beams. After obtaining the optimal reinforcement plan through parameter analysis, the author applied the research results to an existing bridge with insufficient shear strength. It then turned out that the shear bearing capacity of the reinforced bridge's inclined section increased by approximately 27.1%. Simple and fast in construction, this reinforcement method is one of the methods that is effective to increase cross-section reinforcement; besides, it features good economic characteristics and applicability.