Effective Strengthening of RC Beams Using Bamboo-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer: A Finite-Element Analysis

• Published in: Fibers 2023-04, Vol.11 (5), p.36
• Main Authors: Siew, Jia Ning, Tan, Qi Yan, Lim, Kar Sing, Gimbun, Jolius, Tee, Kong Fah, Chin, Siew Choo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bamboo; bamboo-fibre-reinforced composite (BFRC); beam; Bearing capacity; Carbon; Computer simulation; Concrete; Concrete structures; Damage patterns; Energy consumption; Environmental impact; Epoxy resins; Fiber composites; Fiber reinforced polymers; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; flexural; Hemp; Load; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Metal fatigue; Performance evaluation; Plates; Polyesters; Polymers; Reinforced concrete; Reinforced plastics; shear; Shear zone; Strengthening; Stress-strain relationships; Tensile strength; Ultimate loads
• ISSN: 2079-6439; 2079-6439
• DOI: 10.3390/fib11050036

This paper presents a finite-element model of the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with and without openings externally strengthened with bamboo-fibre-reinforced composite (BFRC) plates. The simulation was performed using ABAQUS Unified FEA 2021HF8 software. The stress–strain relationship of the RC was modelled using a model code for concrete structures, whereas the concrete-damaged plasticity model was used to simulate concrete damage. The predicted crack pattern of the beams was comparable to that from experimental observations. The ultimate load-bearing capacity of RC beams in flexure was predicted with an error of up to 1.50%, while the ultimate load-bearing capacity of RC beams with openings in shear was predicted with an error ranging from 1.89 to 13.43%. The most successful arrangement for strengthening a beam with openings in the shear zone was to place BFRC plates perpendicular to the crack on both sides of the beam’s surface, which increased the beam’s original load-bearing capacity by 110.06% compared to that of the control beam (CB). The most effective method for strengthening RC beams in flexure is to attach a BFRC plate to the entire bottom soffit of the RC beam. This maximises the ultimate load-bearing capacity at the expense of the beam’s ductility.