High-order analysis of refine concrete slabs strengthened with circular composite laminated patches of general layup

A high-order model for the analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened with externally bonded composite laminated patches of a general layup is presented. The model follows the concepts of the high-order theory and it is based on variational principles, equilibrium, and compatibility requirements. The classical lamination theory is adopted for the composite patch and it yields a set of coordinate dependent constitutive relations. The governing equations form a set of partial differential equations with variable coefficients. The solution procedure adopts the Galerkin and the multiple-shooting methods in the circumferential and radial directions, respectively. The proposed model is used for the numerical study of a square RC slab strengthened with a circular cross-ply laminated patch. The results focus on the overall behavior of the slab and the localized shear and vertical normal stresses near the edge of the bonded patch. Comparison with results obtained using a simplified axisymmetric model is also presented and discussed. The study reveals that the anisotropy of the bonded patch affects the overall and the localized response of the strengthened slab. It also shows that the simplified axisymmetric analysis tends to underestimate the stresses and stress resultants, and thus may be considered unsafe.