FE Model for R.C Beams Strengthened/Retrofitted with FRP

Abstract

This research aims towards developing a finite element modelling procedure for the purpose of simulating the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened/retrofitted with fibre-reinforced polymers. Such modelling procedure is based upon using the finite element software package AbaqusCae 6.11-3. The data required as an input for such modelling procedure are boundary conditions, geometric and material properties. In addition to the material models available in the software package, experimentally verified numerical material models are used in order to obtain non-available material properties. Through applying the proposed modelling procedure to reinforced concrete beams strengthened/retrofitted with fibre-reinforced polymers, the developed modelling process has been validated where the finite element model results have been compared with the experimental results. The available experimental results are load deflection curves at mid-span and cracking pattern. Regarding externally bonded sheets, isotropic and orthotropic material models for fibre-reinforced polymers have been compared; also cohesive zone model and perfect bond model for the interface between concrete and fibre-reinforced polymers sheets have been compared. High correlation between finite element results and experimental results indicate an accurate modelling procedure. Minor differences were found between isotropic and orthotropic material models. Perfect bond model cannot capture debonding behavior while the cohesive zone model was capable of capturing the debonding behavior.