Bearing capacity of surface-strengthened concrete beam elements. Parametric analysis.

Abstract

The study treats diffusively strengthened concrete beam elements. The element bearing capacity is estimated within a Generalized space of events introduced by the authors. Safety zones of the element’s safe operation under overloading are specified therein. The overloading is assumed to have a probabilistic character. A parametric analysis is performed based on specific criteria of loss of element’s bearing capacity, i.e.: (1) a boundary conditions criterion; (2) a criterion considering the effect of the overloading probability of the Safety zone; (3) a criterion accounting for the effect of transition area strengthening on the element bearing capacity. Two cases of beam element deformation are assumed- pure elastic deformation (C1), and deformation accompanied by compression micro-damage in the compression area of the concrete core (C2). The results for the Safety zones are discussed and analysed according to each criterion. Assessment of the element bearing capacity is also proposed.