Finite element analysis of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams

This paper presents investigation of a three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear finite element model analysis to examine the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites to enhance the flexural capacity and ductility of the beams. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models were developed between the internal reinforcement and concrete using a smeared relationship. In addition, bond models between the concrete surface and CFRP composite were developed using a smeared bond for general analyses and a contact bond for sensitivity analyses. The results of the FEA were compared with the experimental data on full-scale members. The results of two finite-element bonding models showed good agreement with those of the experimental tests.