Finite element modeling of strengthened T-beams with CFRP U-wraps.

Experimental investigations of shear strengthening using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) have been well documented in the literature. However, few studies addressed numerical modeling of FRP shear strengthened beams due to the complex nature of shear failures and the intricate mechanism of the interaction between concrete, steel, and concrete. To narrow the research gap, this study aims at developing a finite element (FE) numerical model to simulate the behavior of two reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams. The specimens examined were a shear-deficient RC T-beam and a T-beam strengthened with carbon FRP (CFRP) U-jackets. The models were developed using FE modeling software ABAQUS. Results extracted from the FE models in terms of load-deflection responses and crack patterns were validated against the published experimental data. Results from the FE models were in agreement with the experimental results. An error of 6 and 1% in the ultimate load and 2 and 3% in the max deflection were attained for the beam without FRP and the beam including FRP U-jackets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]