Nonlinear finite element analysis of FRP strengthened RC beams with bond-slip effect

This paper investigates the structural behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams by developing a new simple, efficient and accurate finite element model (FEM-B). In addition to the FRP, concrete and steel rebars, the adhesive and stirrups which have been generally ignored in the reported models from literatures are considered in the new models. At first, a finite element model (FEM-P) is developed assuming perfect bond between concrete, FRP and adhesive interfaces. Then the FEM-P model is expanded to form the FEM-B model by including the bond-slip effect between concrete, FRP and adhesive interfaces. The developed new finite element models (FEM-B and FEM-P) are validated against experimental results and demonstrate to be effective for the structural analysis of FRP strengthened RC beams. Furthermore, parametric studies are carried out to learn the effects of types and thickness of FRP on the structural behavior of FRP strengthened RC beams based on the FEM-B model. The research findings are summarized finally.