Analysis of the Flexural Behavior of Partially Bonded FRP Strengthened Concrete Beams

Abstract

An investigation was conducted on the flexural behavior of partially bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened concrete beams focusing on the improvement of ductility. An analytical model was developed based on the curvature approach to predict the behavior of beams strengthened with partially bonded FRP systems. The result of the analysis showed that ductility of the partially bonded system was improved while sustaining high load carrying capacity in comparison to the fully bonded system. To verify the analytical model, an experimental program was carried out with reinforced concrete beams strengthened with the externally bonded FRP system. A comparison of the analytical prediction and experimental results showed good agreement.