Title: Debonding in FRP-Strengthened Debonding in FRP-Strengthened Shear-Span Ratios

Author(s): Z. Wu and S. Hemdan

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 230

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 411-426

Keywords: debonding; effective bonding length; fiber reinforcedpolymers (FRP); shear-span ratio

DOI: 10.14359/14845

Date: 10/1/2005

Abstract:
The use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) as external reinforcement to thetension face of concrete members has bean accepted as an effective mean ofstrengthening and retrofitting aging and deteriorated structures. One of the problemswhich limit the full utilization of the material strength is the premature failure due todebonding. In this study a special attention is paid to investigate the effect of theshear-span ratio on the debonding due to flexural cracks of concrete in FRP-retrofittedbeams. Based on finite element analysis and nonlinear fracture mechanics, thedebonding behavior of FRP-retrofitted beams with different shear-span ratios wasinvestigated. The initiation of macro debonding of each beam was recorded and mainfactors affecting the effective bonding length were discussed. It is concluded thatshear-span ratio has an insignificant effect on the initiation of macro debonding while itgreatly affects the effective bonding length.