JUSTIFICATION OF REINFORCEMENT PARAMETERS FOR PRODUCTS MADE OF NATURAL STONE WITH STEEL AND COMPOSITE CORES

Purpose. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using steel and composite reinforcement to enhance the strength characteristics of products made of natural stone. Methodology. The preparation of specimens for conducting strength tests is performed and described. Recommendations are provided for the preparation, configuration, and utilization of the main tools and materials involved in the research. The components of the experiment aimed at determining the strength characteristics of the specimens are developed and described. Based on the obtained data, calculations of the primary force parameters during the failure of the specimens under bending loads are carried out. Results. The research findings on the application of steel and composite reinforcement methods to improve the strength properties of stone products revealed that the use of composite reinforcement consistently increases deformation under higher loads, indicating better control of plastic deformation compared to steel reinforcement. However, the ultimate strength and load-bearing capacity of specimens reinforced with composite reinforcement are lower than those reinforced with steel reinforcement. Scientific novelty lies in the systematic analysis and comparison of the effectiveness of different types of reinforcement in enhancing the strength characteristics of products made of natural stone, as well as in the development of methodology and experimental procedures for determining force parameters. The obtained results indicate the potential of composite reinforcement for controlled plastic deformation and establish limitations regarding ultimate strength and load-bearing capacity. Practical significance of the research lies in providing recommendations and information that can be utilized by designers, engineers, and construction professionals in the manufacturing of products made of natural stone, as well as in the planning and implementation of construction projects involving natural stone.