Finite Element Analysis On Behaviour Of RC Beams Flexurally Strengthened With Near-surface Mounted CFRP Strips

Because of design alteration, accidental damage and deterioration of structures, studies on strengthening and retrofitting structures were increasingly concerned by countries all over the world. Fiber reinforced polymer(FRP), a perfect material for strengthening and retrofitting, has been widely used in the field of strengthening structures due to its advantages such as high strength, high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance and good fatigue properties. More recently, a new technology of strengthening structures with near-suface mounted FRP has been proposed by few foreign researchers. The beams are strengthened through inserting FRP bars or strips into grooves first cut at the tension surface. It's a promising technology for increasing flexural and shear capacity of a deficient reinforced concrete(RC) member effectively.Based on comparative research with a set of reliable experimental results, this thesis gain an effective analysis scheme feasible to study the behaviour of RC beams flexurally strengthened with near-surface mounted CFRP strips. After an extensive parametric influence analysis, following conclusions can be drawn: flexural capacity and rigidity but not ductility of RC beams strengthened with near-surface mounted CFRP strips can be raised a lot. The finite analysis scheme and some concluding remarks may be useful for future in-depth research and practical engineering applications.