Nonlinear finite element models of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in bending with mechanically fastened aluminum alloy plates

Abstract

This paper reports 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) models of reinforced concrete (RC) beams externally strengthened with mechanically fastened (MF) and externally bonded (EB) aluminum alloy (AA) plates. The measured and observed parameters of each specimen were obtained from an experiment conducted by the authors of this study. Each FE model adopted accurate material constitutive laws and appropriate element definitions to approximate the mechanical behavior observed during testing. A total of ten models were constructed based on the diameter, embedment depth, and arrangement of the expansion anchor bolt (EAB) as well as the presence or absence of epoxy. Results like the load-carrying capacity of the tested specimens as well as the failure modes like end-plate debonding (ED), local-plate debonding (LD), and plate rupture (PR) were accurately predicted. Additionally, Stress and strain contour plots were generated to investigate the FE models’ mechanical behaviors. Finally, a parametric study was conducted to illustrate the effects of the flexural steel reinforcement ratio and AA plate grades on the models’ structural response. It was concluded that the FE models could serve as a valid predictive platform for simulating the flexural behavior of RC beams strengthened with MF and EB AA plates.