EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF THE ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITIES OF RC BEAMS STRENGTHENED BY CFRP

A method for three-dimensional virtual block damage analysis is proposed. By reducing the elastic model of the destructive blocks in elements, the finite element analysis model is revised and the repeated computing process continues until the results converge. Destructive experiments on six reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate were performed. The entire process from crack to failure and the ultimate bearing capacities are investigated by the proposed method. The comparison between the calculating and experimental results shows that they are in good agreement. The present research findings are expected to be useful in the engineering practice and design of concrete structure strengthening.