Debonding analysis of FRP–concrete interface between two balanced adjacent flexural cracks in plated beams

Abstract

A cohesive interface modeling approach to debonding analysis of adhesively bonded interface between two balanced adjacent flexural cracks in conventional material (e.g., concrete or wood) beams strengthened with externally bonded FRP plates is presented. Both the strengthened beam and strengthening FRP are modeled as two linearly elastic Euler–Bernoulli beams bonded together through a thin adhesive layer. A bi-linear cohesive model, which is commonly used in the literature, is adopted to characterize the stress-deformation relationship of the FRP–concrete interface. Completely different from the single-lap or double-shear pull models in which only the axial pull force is considered, the present model takes the couple moment and transverse shear forces in both the substrates into account to study the second type of intermediate crack-induced debonding (IC debonding) along the interface. The whole debonding process of the FRP–concrete interface is discussed in detail, and closed-form solutions of bond slip, interface shear stress, and axial force of FRP in different stages are obtained. A rotational spring model is introduced at locations of the two adjacent flexural cracks to model the local flexibility of the cracked concrete beam, with which the relationship between the local bond slip and externally applied load is established and the real bond failure process of the FRP-plated concrete beam with the increasing of the externally applied load is revealed. Parametric studies are further conducted to investigate the effect of the thickness of adhesive layer on the bond behavior of FRP–concrete interface. The present closed-form solution and analysis on the local bond slip versus applied load relationship for the second type of IC debonding along the interface shed light on the bond failure process of structures externally strengthened with FRP composite plates and can be used effectively and efficiently to predict ductility and ultimate load of FRP-strengthened structures.