Laboratory study of geogrid reinforcement in Portland cement concrete

The objective of this study is to investigate the behavior of geogrid reinforcement in Portland cement concrete (PCC) beams. The results from this study will pave the way for further investigation of using the geogrid as reinforcement in thin concrete overlays. Two geogrid products, for which the index material properties were obtained, are used for this study. The experiment comprises of four-point bending tests conducted on PCC beams without reinforcement, with one layer of geogrid-reinforcement, and with two layers. Results of testing and analysis showed substantial improvement in the response, particularly increase in ductility after crack initiation caused by flexural failure. Specimens reinforced with the stiff geogrids show higher energy-absorption capacity compared to that of flexible geogrids. Based on the study presented, it can be concluded that the placement of geogrids at the bottom of PCC beams for tensile reinforcement can provide post-cracking ductility and increase in loading capacity contingent upon the type and physical properties of geogrids used.