Nonlinear behavior of concrete beams with hybrid FRP and stainless steel reinforcements

The full-range behavior of partially bonded, together with partially prestressed concrete beams containing fiber reinforced polymer （FRP） tendons and stainless steel reinforcing bars was simulated using a simplified theoretical model. The model assumes that a section in the beam has a trilinear moment--curvature relationship characterized by three particular points, initial cracking of concrete, yielding of non-prestressed steel, and crushing of concrete or rupturing of prestressing tendons. Predictions from the model were compared with the limited available test data, and a reasonable agreement was obtained. A detailed parametric study of the behavior of the prestressed concrete beams with hybrid FRP and stainless steel reinforcements was conducted. It can be concluded that the deformability of the beam can be enhanced by increasing the ultimate compressive strain of concrete, unhonded length of tendon, percentage of compressive reinforcement and partial prestress ratio, and decreasing the effective prestress in tendons, and increasing in ultimate compressive strain of concrete is the most efficient one. The deformability of the beam is almost directly proportional to the concrete ultimate strain provided the failure mode is concrete crushing, even though the concrete ultimate strain has less influence on the load-carrying capacity.

Axial Bearing Capacity of Short FRP Confined Concrete-filled Steel Tubular Columns

The bearing capacity of FRP confined concrete-filled steel tubular （FRP-CFST） columns under axial compression was investigated. This new type of composite column is a concrete-filled steel tube （CFST） confined with fiber-reinforced polymer （FRP） wraps. Totally 11 short column specimens were tested to failure under axial compression. The influences of the type and quantity of FRP, the thickness of steel tube and the concrete strength were studied. It was found that the bearing capacity of short FRP-CFST column was much higher than that of comparable CFST column. Furthermore, the formulas for calculating the bearing capacity of the FRP-CFST columns are proposed. The analytical calculated results agree well with the experimental results.

Modified imperialist competitive algorithm-based neural network to determine shear strength of concrete beams reinforced with FRP

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs), unlike steel, are corrosion-resistant and therefore are of interest;however, their use is hindered because their brittle shear is formulated in most specifications using limited data available at the time. We aimed to predict the shear strength of concrete beams reinforced with FRP bars and without stirrups by compiling a relatively large database of 198 previously published test results (available in appendix). To model shear strength, an artificial neural network was trained by an ensemble of Levenberg-Marquardt and imperialist competitive algorithms. The results suggested superior accuracy of model compared to equations available in specifications and literature.

Double pull specimen more suitable for measuring bond-slip relationship of FRP-to-concrete interface

A new "conceptual" design named "double pull" specimen was proposed in order to measure the bond-slip(δ-τ) relationship of fiber reinforced polymer(FRP)-to-concrete interface more accurately.A finite element analysis(FEA) was performed for preliminarily evaluating the suitability of the proposed conceptual double pull specimen.Through the FEA,it was indicated that the FRP-to-concrete interface of the proposed conceptual specimen might subject to a much higher load level than that of the most commonly used simple shear specimen,showing a great potential for measuring δ-τ relationship more accurately.In the light of the conceptual specimen,a kind of "practical" double pull specimen was developed and proved to be more suitable for measuring δ-τ relationship through an exploratory experimental study with 20 specimens.Consequently,an experimental program with 10 double pull specimens was performed for measuring the ultimate slip δu which was difficult to capture by using the existing specimens.It is shown that the range of δu is 0.31-0.52 mm based on the test results.The suggestion for improving the measure method is also put forward.

Structural Performance of Light Weight Multicellular FRP Composite Bridge Deck Using Finite Element Analysis

Fiber reinforced polymer （FRP） composite materials having advantages such as higher strength to weight than conventional engineering materials, non-corrosiveness and modularization, which should help engineers to obtain more efficient and cost effective structural materials and systems. Currently, FRP composites are becoming more popular in civil engineering applications. The objectives of this research are to study performance and behavior of light weight multi-cellular FRP composite bridge decks （both module and system levels） under various loading conditions through finite element modeling, and to validate analytical response of FRP composite bridge decks with data from laboratory evaluations. The relative deflection, equivalent flexural rigidity, failure load （mode） and load distribution factors （LDF） based on FE results have been compared with experimental data and discussed in detail. The finite element results showing good correlations with experimental data are presented in this work.

Uplift of Symmetrical Anchor Plates by Using Grid-Fixed Reinforced Reinforcement in Cohesionless Soil

Uplift response of symmetrical anchor plates with and without grid fixed reinforced （GFR） reinforcement was evaluated in model tests and numerical simulations by Plaxis. Many variations of reinforcement layers were used to reinforce the sandy soil over symmetrical anchor plates. In the current research, different factors such as relative density of sand, embedment ratios, and various GFR parameters including size, number of layers, and the proximity of the layer to the symmetrical anchor plate were investigated in a scale model. The failure mechanism and the associated rupture surface were observed and evaluated. GFR, a tied up system made of fiber reinforcement polymer （FRP） strips and end balls, was connected to the geosynthetic material and anchored into the soil. Test results showed that using GFR reinforcement significantly improved the uplift capacity of anchor plates. It was found that the inclusion of one layer of GFR, which rested directly on the top of the anchor plate, was more effective in enhancing the anchor capacity itself than other methods. It was found that by including GFR the uplift response was improved by 29%. Multi layers of GFR proved more effective in enhancing the uplift capacity than a single GFR reinforcement. This is due to the additional anchorage provided by the GFR at each level of reinforcement. In general, the results show that the uplift capacity of symmetrical anchor plates in loose and dense sand can be significantly increased by the inclusion of GFR. It was also observed that the inclusion of GFR reduced the requirement for a large L/D ratio to achieve the required uplift capacity. The laboratory and numerical analysis results are found to be in agreement in terms of breakout factor and failure mechanism pattern.

Effect of Chloride Content on Bond Behavior Between FRP and Concrete

For reinforced concrete structures located along the seaside, the penetration of chloride ions into concrete may be a threat to the durability of the structures. Experimental investigations were carried out to study the effect of chloride content on the bond behavior between concrete and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) plates. Direct shear tests were conducted on the FRP strengthened concrete members. Before testing, the specimens were immersed in NaCl solutions with concentrations ranging from 3%—15% for di...

Flexural Behavior of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Composite Member

Concrete Filled FRP （Reinforced Polymeric Plastic） Tubes （CFFT） and Reinforced Concrete Filled FRP Tubes （RCFFT） are known to have the capability to enhance structural performance in terms of structural stability, ductility, as well as chemical resistance when compared with conventional concrete members. In this study, the authors evaluate the structural performance of the CFFT and the RCFFT through flexural tests for the purpose of applying the members as flexural ones. Moreover, the compressive behavior of the CFFT and the RCFFT members was investigated to examine their confinement effects. Based on the experimental and analytical results of the compressive behavior of the members, equations for estimating the ultimate compressive strengths of the CFFT and the RCFFT were proposed. In addition, the degree of improvement on the flexural performance of the RCFFT member strengthened by the FRP was analyzed from the flexural tests.

Experimental Investigation of Defects Inspection for FRP Pipeline based on Single-side NMR

The fiberglass reinforced plastic （FRP） pipelines have been used widely in oil-gas gathering and transportation. The defects of FRP pipelines would increase with the extension of service time. However, it is very difficult to detect the defects of FRP pipelines on-spot quickly. In this paper, a new method detecting defects for FRP pipes has been provided based on the NMR. The proton density distributions have been obtained at different depth of FRP components using single-side NMR. The experimental results show that there is a significant change of proton density distribution at the location of defects. And, these results would be useful for defects inspection of composite material component.

A Review on Strengthening of Timber Beams Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers

Fiber reinforced polymer(FRP)has been used in the construction industry because of its advantages such as high strength,light weight,corrosion resistance,low density and high elasticity.This paper presents a review of bonding techniques adopted to strengthen timber beams using FRP to achieve larger spans.Different methods of bonding between FRP and timber beams have been summarized with a focus on the influencing factors and their effects as well as relevant bond-slip models proposed for fundamental understanding.Experimental investigations to evaluate the flexural performance of timber beams strengthened by FRP bars,sheets and wraps have also been critically reviewed to identify key influencing parameters.Limited research available on the shear performance of FRP reinforced timber beams have been analyzed to determine the influencing factors of the shear performance in timber-FRP beams.The paper finally presents an overall summary of the current-state-of-the-art and proposes some future research directions in the field.

Unified bearing capacity model of confined concrete column subjected to axial compression

To better study the behavior of confined concrete, this paper presents the basic hypothesis of uhimate equilibrium of confined concrete and the unified yield criteria of confining material. Based on the static equilibrium condition and yield criteria of components, a unified bearing capacity model of confined concrete column is proposed, and a simplified calculating equation of the model is also given. The model captures the character of confined concrete column. Effects of the confinement effect ratio, the lateral confinement ratio, unconfined concrete strength and the properties of confining material on the bearing capacity of confined concrete column are carefully considered. The model may be applicable to the calculation of bearing capacity of steel-confined concrete, concrete filled steel tube and FRP-confined concrete. The predictions of the model agree well with test data.

Nonlinear stability of timber column strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer

By taking into account the effect of the bi-modulus for tension and compression of the fiber reinforced polymer （FRP） sheet in the reinforcement layer, a general mathematical model for the nonlinear bending of a slender timber beam strengthened with the FRP sheet is established under the hypothesis of the large deflection deformation of the beam. Nonlinear governing equations of the second order effect of the beam bending are derived. The nonlinear stability of a simply-supported slender timber column strengthened with the FRP sheet is then investigated. An expression of the critical load of the simply-supported FRP-strengthened timber beam is obtained. The existence of postbuckling solution of the timber column is proved theoretically, and an asymptotic analytical solution of the postbuckling state in the vicinity of the critical load is obtained using the perturbation method. Parameters are studied showing that the FRP reinforcement layer has great influence on the critical load of the timber column, and has little influence on the dimensionless postbuckling state.

Moment-curvature relationship of FRP-concrete-steel doubleskin tubular members

Tests were conducted on 3 specimens to study the flexural behavior of fiber reinforced polymer(FRP)-concrete-steel double-skin tubular members(DSTMs).The strip method was used to calculate the section momentcurvature curves of the 3 specimens and 12 models.A theoretical formula is presented for the flexural strength of DSTMs.The test results show that the tension zone of the specimen FRP tubes was in hoop compression while the compression zone was in hoop tension.The load-carrying capacity did not decrease even when the mid-span deflection reached about 1/24 of the span length.The tests,simulation and theoretical analysis resulted in a simplified formula for the flexural strength of DSTMs and a tri-linear moment-curvature model was expressed as a function of the section bending stiffness for DSTMs.

Performances of a new sustainable and durable dry beam-column joints under cyclic and impact loads

This study investigated the performances of a new type of precast beam-column joint subjected to earthquake and impact loads.For sustainability and durability considerations,new materials such as corrosion-resistant fibre reinforced polymer(FRP)bolts and reinforcements,fibre reinforced concrete(FRC),and geopolymer concrete(GPC)were used to construct the joint.To examine the resilience,durability,sustainability,and multi-hazard resistance capacities,both cyclic and pendulum impact tests were carried out.The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed precast joints had the comparable or even better performances as compared with the traditional monolithic joints under cyclic and impact loads.Numerical simulations using ABAQUS were also adopted to determine the optimal values of the concrete-end-plate(CEP)thickness for the proposed dry joints and to further quantify other response parameters which could not be obtained during the test,e.g.,stress distribution,energy absorption,and stress contours.Discussion on the influences of various parameters on joint performances under different loading conditions was also presented in this study.

State of the art review on the production and bond behaviour of reinforced geopolymer concrete

Geopolymer is produced through the polymerization of active aluminosilicate material with an alkaline activator,leading to the formation of a green,inorganic polymer binder.Geopolymer concrete(GPC)has become a promising low-carbon alternative to traditional Portland cement-based concrete(OPC).GPC-bonded reinforcing bars offer a promising alternative for concrete structures,boasting excellent geopolymer binder/reinforcement bonding and superior corrosion and high-temperature resistance compared to Portland cement.However,due to differences in the production process of GPC,there are distinct engineering property variations,including bonding characteristics.This literature review provides an examination of the manufacturing procedures of GPC,encompassing source materials,mix design,curing regimes,and other factors directly influencing concrete properties.Additionally,it delves into the bond mechanism,bond tests,and corresponding results that represent the bond characteristics.The main conclusions are that GPC generally has superior mechanical properties and bond performance compared to ordinary Portland cement concrete(OPC).However,proper standardization is needed for its production and performance tests to limit the contradictory results in the lab and on site.