Numerical Investigation of the Shear Transfer Stress of Uncracked Concrete That Has Been Externally Strengthened with FRP Laminates

Abstract

This study numerically investigated the effect of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates on the shear transfer capacity of strengthened push-off concrete specimens. The numerical model compared the shear transfer values in uncracked specimens strengthened with internal steel reinforcements and external glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) layers of different widths and thicknesses. The increase in shear transfer capacity in the strengthened specimens was assessed, and a parametric study was carried out on the FRP laminates at different types, widths, thicknesses, and fiber inclinations. An equation for calculating the FRP shear stress has been proposed and tested for validation. The results indicated that the gain in shear stress from the use of FRP laminates depends on the type, width, thickness, and fiber inclination of the laminate strips.