Analytical study of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber reinforced plastic plates (fabrics)

Abstract

Epoxy-bonding a composite plate to tension face, is an effective technique for repair and retrofit of reinforced concrete beams. Experiments have indicated local failure of the concrete layer between the plate and longitudinal reinforcement in retrofitted beams. This mode of failure is caused by local stress concentrations at the plate end, as well as at the flexural cracks. A method has been presented for calculating shear and normal stress concentrations at the cut-off point of the plate. Stress concentrations predicted by this method have been compared to both finite element method and experimental results. The analytical models provide closed form solutions for calculating stresses at the plate ends and can easily be incorporated in design equations. The ultimate capacity of the reinforced concrete beams strengthened by composite plates bonded to the tension face, is controlled by either compression crushing of concrete, rupture of the plate, local failure of concrete at the plate end, or debonding of the plate. These failure modes have been considered in developing design guidelines for flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using fiber composite plates. Bonding composite plates (fabrics) to the web of reinforced concrete beams can increase the shear and flexural capacity of the beam. An analytical model has been developed to calculate the stress distribution in the strengthened beam, and the shear force resisted by the composite plate before cracking and also after formation of flexural cracks. Parametric study has been performed to reveal the effect of important parameters such as fiber orientation, and plate thickness. The ultimate shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams is also increased by epoxy-bonding composite plates to the side faces of the beam. Truss analogy and compression field theory have been used to determine the effect of the composite plate on the crack inclination angle and the shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams at ultimate state. The effects of important parameters such as plate thickness and fiber orientation angle on the crack inclination angle and the shear capacity of the strengthened beam have been investigated through a parametric study.