Numerical Analysis on the Load-Carrying Capacity for the FRP Reinforced Four-Point Bending Concrete Beam

Abstract

In this paper, different types of debonding failure modes are described. Study of concrete cracking behavior and interfacial debonding fracture in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-strengthened concrete beams are carried out. A finite element analysis is performed to investigate the different types of debonding propagation along FRP–concrete interface and crack distribution in concrete. The proposed FE, denoted as FRP–FB (force-based) beam, is used to predict the load-carrying capacity and the applied load-midspan deflection response of RC beams subjected to four-point bending loading. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements are compared based on numerous tests available in the literatures and published by different authors. The numerically simulated responses agree remarkably well with the corresponding experimental results. It demonstrates that the proposed two-dimensional frame finite element (FE) is able to accurately estimate the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams flexurally strengthened with externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) strips and plates.