Finite Element Analysis of FRP Strengthened

Reinforced Concrete Beams

ABSTRACT
The project focuses on analysis of parent and fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened
reinforced concrete (RC) beam using general purpose finite element software, ANSYS.
FRP, epoxy and concrete-FRP interface are to be modelled using different materials available
in the material library of ANSYS.
The validation of the numerical model and material models is carried out on the experimental
beam.
The validated model, elements and material properties is used to evaluate the loaddisplacement and loadstrain response behaviour and crack patterns of the FRP strengthened
RC beams.
MOTIVATION
Existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures are facing severe problems from deterioration
due to many factors like corrosion, lack of detailing, increase in service loads which leads to
cracking, loss of strength, excess deflection, etc. which necessitates urgent need of
strengthening, repair or reconstruction due to these issues.
To solve these issues fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) are being widely used in recent years
to increase the capacity of RC structural elements. FRP typically comprise of high strength
fibres (e.g. carbon and glass) coated with an epoxy (often termed as matrix).