Towards modelling of reinforced concrete members with externally-bonded fibre reinforced polymer, FRP, composites

grantor: University of TorontoFibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly studied for their application in the flexural or shear strengthening of reinforced concrete members. Although substantial increases in strength have been achieved, reductions in ductility have also been reported, as a result of debonding failures near the concrete-FRP interface. The debonding phenomenon has been the subject of numerous investigations, including the experimental program described herein, which involved the strengthening of shear-critical beams using carbon FRP strips. It has been determined that the bond-slip behaviour at the bond interface must be considered in the numerical modelling of externally-reinforced members. Essential to analyses utilizing a finite element program are the formulation of bond elements and their constitutive relations. The implementation of link and contact elements, along with linear elastic and elastic-plastic bond laws, has produced accurate predictions of member response.M.A.Sc