Advancements in electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and structural performance of reinforced concrete structures

Advancement of the novel strengthening method improvement including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and structural performance is of utmost importance and essential in reinforced concrete structures. The purpose of this study is to present a state-of-the-art review of methods used in the effective strengthening of conductive concrete and conductive grid-strengthened RC structures. There have been novel experiments into the development of conductive concrete that can be used as both an effective external load and EMI shielding. While most of the literature focuses on developing conductive concrete that is used in casting RC structures, a few researchers have focused on developing RC structures strengthening resistance to external loads and EMI. Using this conductive concrete to strengthen RC structures is insufficient and would require additional conductive grids. This paper reviews such novel strengthening materials that have been developed to shield against external loads and EMI. Numerous research claim that using one type of conductive material to improve the SE of reinforced concrete structures is insufficient and additional conductive materials are necessary. Shielding effectiveness values exceed the standard requirement only when using fully fabricated fiber-reinforced concrete strengthened by the metallic grid. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the type of conductive materials used in the RC structures strengthening to achieve adequate SE as described standards.