Finite-Element Investigation of the Structural Behavior of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)- Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) Decks Slabs in Thompson Bridge

Modeling Strategies of Finite Element Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with FRP: A Review

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites do not only possess superior mechanical properties, but can also be easy to tailor, install, and maintain. As such, FRPs offer novel and attractive solutions to facilitate strengthening and/or retrofitting of aging, weakened, and upgraded structures. Despite the availability of general code provisions, the design and analysis of FRP-strengthened concrete structures is both tedious and complex—especially in scenarios associated with unique loading conditions. As such, designers often leverage advanced finite element (FE) simulation as a mean to understand and predict the performance of FRP-strengthened structures. In order to narrow this knowledge gap, this paper details suitable strategy for developing and carrying out advanced FE simulations on FRP-strengthened concrete structures. The paper also covers techniques related to simulating adhesives (bonding agents), material constitutive properties and plasticity (cracking/crushing of concrete, yielding of steel reinforcement, and delamination of FRP laminates), as well as different material types of FRP (CFRP, GFRP, and their hybrid combinations), and FRP strengthening systems (sheets, plates, NSM, and rods) under various loading conditions including ambient, earthquake, and fire. The principles, thumb rules, and findings of this work can be of interest to researchers, practitioners, and students.

Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Confined High-Strength Concrete under Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) Impact Compression

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has become increasingly popular in repairing existing steel-reinforced concrete (RC) members or constructing new structures. Although the quasi-static axial compression performance of FRP-confined concrete (FCC) has been comprehensively studied, its dynamic compression performance is not well understood, especially the dynamic compressive behavior of FRP-confined high-strength concrete (FCHC). This paper presents an experimental program that consists of quasi-static compression tests and Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) impact tests on FRP-confined high-strength concrete. The effects of the FRP types, FRP confinement stiffness, and strain rate on the impact resistance of FCHC are carefully studied. The experimental results show that the strain rate effect is evident for FRP-confined high-strength concrete and the existence of the FRP greatly improves the dynamic compressive strength of high-strength concrete. An existing strength model is modified for impact strength of FCHC and the predicted results are compared with the test results. The results and discussions show that the proposed model is accurate and superior to the existing models.