Models analyzing the response of the adhesive joint between FRP and concrete: comparative analysis

Abstract

Abstract Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for structural elements’ strengthening and rehabilitation are increasingly gaining popularity because of their proven efficiency and ease of application. The response of the adhesive joint formed between the FRP and concrete is a crucial factor for the overall behavior assessment of FRP structures. The contribution aims to provide a background for a model recently proposed by the author and designed to analyze the behavior of the adhesive joint between the FRP and concrete. The presented study reviews models based on the fracture mechanics approach to obtain a reference point needed to assess the output provided by an algorithm utilizing a damage-based model for the concrete and an empirical-based procedure for the loss of bond action. The analysis of the interface crack propagation is a complex task involving the consideration of several interacting mechanisms. Typically, model validation is performed via a comparison against experimental data. However, additional insights into the involved phenomena can be provided by comparing the results of various applicable models.