Abstract Torsional stresses pose a critical challenge in reinforced concrete (RC) members due to their sudden occurrence and the associated risk of brittle, progressive failure, emphasizing the need for strengthening solutions that enhance both ductility and structural sustainability. Existing RC beams may suffer from inadequate torsional capacity owing to load redistribution, design limitations, structural modifications, or the introduction of openings, necessitating effective and reliable strengthening solutions. This study investigates the behavior of anchored ferrocement layers incorporating engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and ultra‐high‐performance ECC (UHPECC), reinforced with wire steel mesh (WSM), for enhancing the torsional exhibition of rectangular beams. A series of RC beams was experimented under pure torsion, studying the influence of composite type (ECC vs. UHPECC), ferrocement thickness (10, 20, and 30 mm), WSM layering (one vs. two layers), and anchorage quantity (four vs. six steel anchors). The experimental results revealed that UHPECC thickness and WSM layers had the greatest impact on the initial cracking load. The evaluated parameters were found to significantly improve the cracking response, ultimately leading to a ductile failure mode with up to a 94% increase in torsional capacity. Results showed that beams with UHPECC outperformed those made of ECC, increasing the torsional capacity, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity by 63%, 153%, and 211%, respectively, compared to the defective beam, whereas the application of ECC improved the torsional capacity, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity by 46%, 125%, and 121%, respectively. Also, increasing the ferrocement thickness from 10 to 30 mm improved ultimate torsional strength by 147%. Furthermore, incorporating two WSM layers enhanced torsional capacity, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity by 140%, 247%, and 267%, respectively, compared to the defective beam, demonstrating improved crack control and stress redistribution. Moreover, six steel anchors provided better bond strength than four, preventing debonding and improving load transfer, resulting in an increase of the torsional capacity, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity by 63%, 153%, and 211%, respectively, compared to the defective beam. Complementary numerical analyses were performed on the tested beams, yielding a refined finite element model capable of accurately simulating the torsional response of rectangular sections. The numerical predictions closely matched experimental results, with an error of only 6%.
Abadel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.