| Summary: | The application of iron-based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) for enhancing the structural performance of existing buildings and infrastructure has recently gained significant traction. Utilising the shape memory effect in this smart material to induce prestressing forces shows a promising outcome in enhancing structural behaviour. However, there is a limited understanding of this new strengthening material, which hinders its optimisation and can limit the safety and efficiency of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This study explores the behaviour of RC beam strengthened with Near-surface Mounted (NSM) approach using iron-based shape memory alloy subjected to similar loading conditions. The failure modes of the tested strengthened RC beams are investigated in this study. Four-point testing was performed to assess the behaviour of RC beams. It is found that the flexural failure of RC beams has a 22% higher ultimate load compared to beams with shear failure. Although both RC beams show identical first crack loads and locations at the initial loading stage, the crack propagation becomes a discrepancy. It leads to different load-carrying capacities as the load increases. The behaviour of the RC beams under applied load is complex, and a combination of strengthening materials and approaches contributed to the factors that determine how they respond and fail under specific conditions. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
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