Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of the Flexural Reinforced Concrete Beam Strengthened with CFRP Sheets

Based on the tested data, the ANSYS finite element analysis software was adopted to establish the finite element model for the concrete beam nonlinear analysis.The finite element models were developed using 3-D solid element for concrete and shell element for the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Ploymer (CFRP) sheet. The results obtained from the ANSYS were compared with the experimental data for two strengthened beams with different thickness CFRP sheet. The comparisons were made for the curves of load-midspan deflection, yielding load and ultimate load. Models were calculated at the same condition as the experimental beams. Two reinforced beams strengthened with CFRP sheet were calculated in four-point bending. The load-deflection curves from the finite element analysis agree well with the experimental results. The average difference in ultimate load for two cases is 5.5%.