Analytical and numerical study of the serviceability performance of partial composite steel-FRP beams

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a closed-form analytical solution to evaluate the nominal moment capacity and associated deflections of steel-FRP beam systems. The proposed solution takes into consideration the partial composite behavior resulting from the interfacial contact and slip between the subcomponents of the system.Design/methodology/approachThe partial composite action theory was used to develop an elastic analytical solution for the deflection of simply supported composite steel-FRP beams subjected to a mid-span point load. The solution takes into consideration the partial composite behavior of the system that arises from the interlayer slip at the steel-FRP interface.FindingsThe developed analytical model is used to predict the nominal moment capacity of the composite beam and the load value at the onset of yielding in the steel subcomponent of the section. The distribution of shear forces induced in the steel fasteners due to the interfacial slip is also obtained analytically. A comparative study is conducted by comparing the analytical results to their counterparts resulting from finite element modeling of the composite steel-FRP system. The agreement between analytical results and finite element predictions validates the accuracy of the derived analytical solution for partial composite steel-FRP beams.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed solution applies only to the FRP strips and 6 mm steel bolts used in the study.Originality/valueRecent studies revealed a promising efficiency of using mechanically fastened hybrid FRP sheets in strengthening steel beams. A major advantage of this technique is the ductile behavior of the steel-FRP system. The current paper introduces a closed-form analytical solution to evaluate the nominal moment capacity and associated deflections of steel-FRP beam systems. Forces developed at the steel-FRP interface due to the relative slip between both components are considered in the proposed analytical solution.