Analysis of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure with composite laminates

The structural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure by means of externally bonded fibre reinforced composite laminates is simulated numerically using a nonlinear finite element layered model. The full-bond assumption between the composite laminate, steel reinforcement, and the concrete is assumed, and shear deformations are neglected. Interlayer compatibility is achieved by imposing the same displacements at the interfaces of adjacent layers. The concrete is assumed to be nonlinear in compression and to exhibit a post-cracking tension-stiffening behaviour in tension. The behaviour of the steel reinforcement is modelled as elastic-plastic, while that for the composite laminate is linear elastic using an equivalent elastic modulus obtained from the so-called "classical lamination theory" of composite structures. An incremental, iterative displacement-control numerical analysis is developed. The finite element code is validated using published test results for conventional reinforced concrete beams, as well as for beams strengthened with composite laminates. A comparison of the numerical and experimental curves shows very good agreement. The effects of various parameters on the behaviour of composite-strengthened concrete beams are examined.