Studies on FRP-concrete interface with hardening and softening bond-slip law

This latest experimental study proposes a theory that the bond-slip law for a FRP-concrete interface contains linear hardening and exponential softening. On the basis of this law, the paper studies the mechanic behavior and debonding process of a FRP-concrete interface. Firstly, through nonlinear fracture mechanics, the analytical solutions of the interface shear stress, the axial normal stress of FRP and the load–displacement relationship at the loaded end with the single shear test model of FRP-concrete are acquired. The shear stress propagation as well as the debonding process of the whole interface for different bond lengths could be predicted. Secondly, a simplified interface bond-slip law is used by changing the exponential softening law into a linear softening law. In addition, the analytical solutions for the simplified interface bond-slip law could also be obtained. Finally, based on the analytical solutions of the two bond-slip laws, the influences of the FRP bond length and stiffness on load–displacement curve and the ultimate load, as well as stiffness on effective bond length were discussed, with the similarities and differences between the two bond-slip laws also being studied.