Performance Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beam with GFRP Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Structural strengthening is required when structures suffer from minor damage or strength degradation. Structural strength degradation can be caused by incorrect initial design, structural age, environmental factors, or changes of building functions. One of the strengthening solutions is Glass Fiber Reinforced Рolymer (GFRР) due to its easy application and good mechanical properties such as. This research discussed the effect of externally bonded GFRР sheets on the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete beams. The concrete specimens had dimensions of 150×250×3300 mm and were simply supported beams tested using two point symmetrical loading. Flexural strengthening was done by applying GFRР sheets to the bottom side of the beams (bottom wrapping). Flexural capacity analysis was done using finite element method with the help of MIDAS FEA program and shows 27,915-70,521% flexural capacity increasement for each GFRP layer addition for bottom wrapping models. Finite element analysis results are close to the theoretical calculation based on ACI 440.2R-17 with the biggest difference of ±3% and gives a conservative approach in predicting laboratory test results. Finite element modelling is also able to show the failure process of specimens properly.