Numerical Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beam Strengthened with CFRP or GFRP Laminates

Abstract

The behaviour of reinforced concrete beam strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass fiber reinforced polymer GFRP laminates was investigated using finite element models and the results are presented in this paper. The numerical investigation assessed the effect of the configuration of FRP strengthening laminates on the behaviour of concrete beams. The load-deflection behaviour, and ultimate load of strengthened beam were compared to those of un- strengthened concrete beams. It was shown that using U-shaped FRP sheets increased the ultimate load. The stiffness of the strengthed beam also increased after first yielding of steel reinforcing bars. At was also observed that strengthening beams with FRP laminates to one-fourth of the beam span, modifies the failure of the beam from shear-controlled near the end of the unstrengthened beam, to flexure-controlled near mid-span. CFRP produced better results compared GFRP in terms of the ability to enhance the behavior of strengthenened reinforced concrete beams.