Nonlinear FE model for RC beams shear-strengthened with FRP

In order to evaluate the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams shear-strengthened with fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP), a modelling procedure based on the finite-element (FE) method was developed through the use of the FE software package Abaqus Cae 6.11-3. Boundary conditions, material properties and geometric properties of the element under study are required as input for the modelling procedure. Material models available in the software package were used where non-available material properties are concluded through the use of experimentally verified numerical material models. The developed modelling procedure was validated through its application to RC beams shear-strengthened with FRP, where the specimens under study did not develop any cracks before applying FRP. The FE model results were compared with the available experimental results. Available experimental data for the specimens under study were load–deflection curves at midspan, cracking pattern and load–strain curves. Finally, a parametric study was carried out in order to further evaluate the strengthening procedure. The agreement between the FE analysis and experimental results indicates that the modelling procedure is accurate. The stress distribution indicated that the effect of the strengthening procedure is global and is not localised just to the strengthened region. The parametric study indicated that the spacing and dimensions of the FRP strengthening material had their greatest effect on load-carrying capacity and ductility.