Nonlinear finite element analyses of FRP-reinforced concrete slabs using a new layered composite plate element

A simple and shear-flexible rectangular composite layered plate element and nonlinear finite element analysis procedures are developed in this paper for nonlinear analysis of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)-reinforced concrete slabs. The composite layered plate element is constructed based on Mindlin-Reissner plate theory and Timoshenko's composite beam functions, and transverse shear effects and membrane-bending coupling effects are accounted for. Both geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity of the materials, which incorporates tension, compression, tension stiffening and cracking of the concrete, are included in the new model. The developed element and the nonlinear finite element analysis procedures are validated by comparing the computed numerical results of numerical examples with those obtained from experimental investigations and from the commercial finite element analysis package ABAQUS. The element is then employed to investigate the nonlinear structural behavior and the cracking progress of a clamped two-way FRP-reinforced concrete slab. The influences of reinforcement with different materials, ratio and layout in tension or compressive regions on structural behavior of the clamped slabs are investigated by parametric studies.