Nonlinear finite element analyses of fiber-reinforced polymer-strengthened steel-reinforced concrete beams under cyclic loading

A new finite element model is developed for nonlinear finite element analyses of structural behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-strengthened steel-reinforced concrete (RC) beams under cyclic loading in this paper. All the components of the beam, including concrete, steel rebar, FRP sheet, adhesive, and shear strengthening stirrups, are included in the model. Material nonlinear properties of concrete and steel rebars are accounted for, while the FRP and adhesive are considered to be linearly elastic until rupture. The degradation of each material under cyclic loading is considered and defined using the user-programmable features in ANSYS. The developed finite element model is validated against experimental results, and demonstrated to be effective for structural analyses of FRP-strengthened RC beams under cyclic loading. Furthermore, parametric studies are carried out to learn the effects of types, thickness, and length of FRP on the structural behavior of FRP-strengthened RC beams based on the new model. Research findings are summarized finally.