Title: Numerical Simulation of Large-Scale Concrete Beam Strengthened in Shear with FRP Composites and Bidirectional Fiber Patch Anchors

Author(s): Robin Kalfat and Riadh Al-Mahaidi

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 322

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 19.1-19.12

Keywords: FRP, Anchorage, Bidirectional, fiber, strengthening, concrete, finite-element

DOI: 10.14359/51706970

Date: 6/18/2018

Abstract:
The development of fiber composite materials (FRPs) and their application to structural elements as externally bonded reinforcement is an effective means to increase the strength of existing bridge girders in flexure, shear and torsion. Despite the high strength of FRP materials, premature debonding of the FRP from the concrete substrate typically occurs well before the ultimate tensile strength of the material is reached. Recent research has found that the introduction of end anchorage systems such as bidirectional fiber patch anchors has been found to counteract the end peeling and interfacial shear stresses that occur at fiber ends, resulting in much higher material utilisation prior to debond. However, all of the research conducted on patch anchors to date has been based on near-end supported single shear pull tests and the performance of patch anchors when applied to large-scale beams remains to be investigated. The paper presents a finite element analysis of a large-scale bulb T beam which was calibrated using experimental results from the literature. The calibrated model was later modified by the addition of FRP shear strengthening and the inclusion of bidirectional fiber patch anchors which were found to significantly enhance the maximum laminate strains attained prior to beam failure.