Analytical Study on Various Types of FRP Beams by using AVSYS

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) is one of the best retrofitting materials for strengthening due to a number of advantages, such as excellent strength to self-weight ratio, large fatigue resistance capacity, etc. Presently, many different types of FRP models are used in analysis, thereby creating erroneous analytical results. Reinforced concrete (RC) beams with carbon and glass fibrereinforced polymer (CFRP and GFRP) composites offer an attractive solution to enhance the behaviour of concrete in terms of strength and ductility, as well as altering the mode of rupture of such structural members. However, very little is known about their performance. Thus, this paper presents to investigate the behaviour of FRP beams. In order to calculate the bending moment, the model considers an exponential function in the stress–strain diagram of RC in both tension and compression parallel to the fibres. A four-point bending test configuration was conducted as short-term experiments to determine the load– displacement relationships of RC beams with CFRP and GFRP sheets/plates adhered to the tensile side. Therefore, this study is carried out to assess and to compare a comprehensive finite element analytical model of FRP that can properly consider the properties of FRP as a retrofit material. After reviewing available FRP models currently used by researchers in the field, two analytical FRP models are selected to assess the behaviour of FRP sheet /plate to concrete structure; using the selected FRP models, noise analysis of FRP sheet and FRP is carried out to confirm mesh sensitivity for convergence. In addition, finite element analysis of FRP RC beam is under performed to select the most appropriate FRP model and to validate the analysis technique. All of the analysis results for four selected FRP models are compared to verify and select the optimum model. Finally, a discussion about the study results with respect to code response criteria is presented.