# Bending Test and Numerical Simulation of Externally Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Beams on the Side Facade

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for strengthening concrete beams by applying external prestressing to the side facade, showing improved load capacity and performance.

## Contribution

A novel external prestressing method applied to the side facade of concrete beams for rapid reinforcement is proposed and tested.

## Key findings

- Traditional external prestressing increased ultimate bearing capacity by 152% to 155%.
- Side facade prestressing improved ultimate bearing capacity by 53% to 61%.
- Cracking and yield loads increased, enhancing overall performance confirmed by simulations.

## Abstract

China has a vast number of infrastructure projects, with concrete structures accounting for the majority. To achieve the rapid and effective reinforcement and renovation of existing engineering structures, this paper proposes a novel approach for the rapid strengthening of concrete beams: an external prestressed reinforcement method applied to the side facade. To investigate the effectiveness of this new reinforcement method, we used three ordinary concrete beams serving as control specimens without prestress application, nine beams reinforced using traditional external prestressing, and nine beams reinforced with external prestressing applied to the side facade. The results indicated that, in comparison to the control beam and depending on the initial prestress level, the ultimate bearing capacity of the concrete beams reinforced with traditional external prestressing increased by 152% to 155%. Additionally, for the concrete beams reinforced with external prestressing on the side face, the ultimate bearing capacity improved by 53% to 61%. Both the cracking load and yield load of the reinforced concrete significantly increased, thereby enhancing the overall working performance. Based on the finite element simulation results, it can be observed that the simulation calculation outcomes aligned closely with the experimental test results.