numerical and sensitivity analysis of rc beams strengthened with frp

in this paper, using numerical methods and test results, the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymers (frp) is investigated. in the numerical analysis, the concrete damaged plasticity model is used for considering the nonlinear behavior and strain softening of concrete. the abaqus finite element program is utilized for the analysis of 12 flexural beams strengthened with frp sheets. comparison between the test results and values obtained from the analysis shows that the numerical method can accurately predict the load-deflection, failure load, strain distribution and failure mode of the strengthened beams. in order to evaluate the effect of different parameters on the numerical results, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. based on the sensitivity analysis, it was found the concrete fracture energy is an important parameter in the prediction of the behavior of the strengthened beams