On the Effect of Time-Dependent Deformations on the Interface Behaviour of RC Beams Strengthened by FRP Plates

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of time-dependent deformations (such as shrinkage and creep) on the interfacial stresses between a concrete beam and a fibre reinforced polymer plate is presented. The analysis given here involves a closed-form solution for such stresses and includes creep and shrinkage effects. The adherend shear deformations have been included in the present theoretical analysis by assuming a parabolic shear stress through the thickness of both concrete beam and fibre reinforced polymer panel. Contrary to some existing studies, the assumption that both the concrete beam and the fibre reinforced polymer panel have the same curvature is not used in this investigation. The influence of creep and shrinkage effect relative to the time of the casting and the time of the loading of the beams is taken into account. Numerical examples of a typical concrete beam strengthened with an externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer plate are discussed with the emphasis on the shear and normal stresses at the edge of the plate.