Abstract:

Flexural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with near-surface-mounted pre-stressed carbon fiber reinforced polymer/plastic (CFRP) strips is analyzed using the finite element software ABAQUS. Correctness of the model is shown by simulating five RC beams strengthened with near-surface-mounted pre-stressed CFRP strips and comparing the results with test. Then the finite element model is used for deep analysis of the flexural performance of RC beams. The beams are affected by different factors such as the pre-stress level of CFRP, amount of CFRP reinforcement, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio and concrete strength grade. Results of the analysis show that the pre-stress level of CFRP and the amount of CFRP reinforcement have greater influence on the cracking load of RC beams. The longitudinal reinforcement ratio has greater influence on the bearing capacity of RC beams. Strength grade of the concrete has some influence on the flexural performance of RC beams, but not as obvious as other factors.

Key words: near-surface-mounted, pre-stressed CFRP strip