The utilisation of carbon fibre–reinforced polymers (CFRPs) has emerged as a promising method for enhancing the flexural performance of reinforced-concrete (RC) bridges. While extensive research has been conducted on CFRP systems implemented on flat soffit RC beams, further work is required to assess their effectiveness when applied to concavely curved soffit RC members. This paper uses finite element simulations to extend an experimental database on RC beams with curved soffits ranging from 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm/m strengthened using externally bonded FRP. Parametric studies into four different concrete strengths ranging from 25, 35, 48, 57 MPa and additional degrees of soffit curvature up to 50 mm/m were used to generate a total of 88 data points. Further, gene expression programming (GEP) was used to develop an empirical model correlating a capacity reduction factor applied to the maximum FRP strain required to produce intermediate-span crack-induced (IC) debonding for concavely curved soffit RC beams externally strengthened with CFRP. The results of the GEP model demonstrated that the model can be employed as an efficient tool for the prediction of the reduction in the flexural capacity of concavely curved soffit RC beams strengthened externally with NSM CFRP.
The use of Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips is an efficient technology for increasing flexural and shear strength or for repairing damaged Reinforced Concrete (RC) members. This strengthening method is a promising technology. However, the thin layer of concrete covering the NSM-CFRP strips is not adequate to resist heat effect when directly exposed to a fire or at a high temperature. There is clear evidence that the strength and stiffness of CFRPs severely deteriorate at high temperatures. Therefore, in terms of fire resistance, the NSM technique has a significant defect. Thus, it is very important to develop a set of efficient fire protection systems to overcome these disadvantages. This pape
... Show MoreThe primary goal of in-situ load testing is to evaluate the safety and performance of a structural system under particular loading conditions. Advancements in building techniques, analytical tools, and monitoring instruments are prompting the evaluation of the appropriate loading value, loading process, and examination criteria. The procedure for testing reinforced concrete (RC) structures on-site, as outlined in the ACI Building Code, involves conducting a 24-h load test and applying specific evaluation criteria. This article detailed a retrofitting project for an RC slab-beams system by utilizing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets to strengthen the structure following a fire incident. The RC structure showed indicators of deter
... Show MoreIn this work, the behavior of reinforced concrete columns under biaxial bending is studied. This work aims at studying the strengthening of columns by using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The experimental work includes investigation of eight reinforced concrete columns (150*150*500mm) tested under several load conditions. Variables considered in the test program include; effect of eccentricity and effect of longitudinal reinforcement (Ø12mm or Ø6mm). Test results are discussed based on load – lateral deflection behavior, load –longitudinal deflection behavior, ultimate load and failure modes. The CFRP reinforcement permits
a complete change in the failure mode of the columns .The effect of longitudinal reinforcement in
This study computationally investigates to examine the impacts of repeated loading on L-shaped spandrel beams made of reinforced concrete, which were strengthened by externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced plastic sheets. The object of the research is to evaluate the following three aspects of structural behavior: degradation of reaction forces, evolution of inertia forces, and residual performance. Ayad and Oukaili's experimental impact-loading program, which featured midspan drop-weight loading on RC spandrel beams before and after strengthening, was used to validate a comprehensive three-dimensional finite element model created in ABAQUS. A sequence of 25 impacts before and 25 impacts after CFRP application was simulated to tra
... Show MoreThis paper presents a study (experimentally) for strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams with Near-Surface-Mounted (NSM) technique. The use of this technique with CFRP strips or rebars is an efficient technology for increasing the strength for flexure and shear or for repairing damaged reinforced concrete (RC) members. The objective of this research is to study, experimentally, RC beams either repaired or strengthened with NSM CFRP strips and follow their flexural behavior and failure modes. NSM-CFRP strips were used to strengthen three RC beam specimens, one of them was initially strengthened and tested up to failure. Four beam specimens have been initially subjected to preloading to 50% and 80% of ultimate load. Two of the sp
... Show MoreThis research presents an experimental investigation of the rehabilitation efficiency of the damaged hybrid reinforced concrete beams with openings in the shear region. The study investigates the difference in retrofitting ability of hybrid beams compared to traditional beams and the effect of two openings compared with one opening equalized to two holes in the area. Five RC beams classified into two groups, A and B, were primarily tested to full-failure under two-point loads. The first group (A) contained beams with normal weight concrete. The second group (hybrid) included beams with lightweight concrete for web and bottom flange, whereas the top flange was made from normal concrete. Two types of openings were considered in this s
... Show MoreThis article presents the results of numerical simulations performed using ABAQUS/CAE version 2019. The study aims to evaluate the structural integrity of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams strengthened with externally bonded carbon fiber reinforcements polymer composite materials (EB) (CFRP), especially their response to bending and shear forces. The numerical model was validated by comparing the numerical and experimental results of eight RC T-beams. The numerical analysis was then extended to include various factors, including the impact of the tilt angle of the U-CFRP shell on the shear strength. The goal of this numerical extension is to implement a numerical model capable of simulating the nonlinear behavior of these beams accur
... Show MoreThis paper presents the non-linear finite element method to study the behavior of four reinforced rectangular concrete MD beams with web circular openings tested under two-point load. The numerical finite elements methods have been used in a much more practical way to achieve approximate solutions for more complex problems. The ABAQUS /CAE is chosen to explore the behavior of MD beams. This paper also studies, the effect of both size and shape of the circular apertures of MD beams. The strengthening technique that used in this paper is externally strengthening using CFRP around the opening in the MD beams. The numerical results were compared to the experimental results in terms of ultimate load failure and displace
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