Finite element modeling of concavely curved soffit RC beams externally strengthened with FRP

This paper presents a two-dimensional finite element (FE) modeling utilized to simulate experimental testing of reinforced concrete (RC) beams externally strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced laminate (CFRP). Four models of concavely flat and curved soffit RC beams were developed. These beams were simulated to be simply supported and loaded statically up to failure by a mid-span single load. The simulations are undertaken to predict the failure mode and load- carrying capacity and gain further understanding of the influence of curvature on CFRP delamination behavior. In this study, eight experimentally tested RC beams were used for comparison with the FE models. The curved soffit beams were constructed with different degrees of curvature of 5, 10, and 15mm/m. The experimental and FE simulation results showed that specimens with 5, 10, and 15mm/m degree of curvature had an average change in the load -carrying capacity of up to 2.5, 6, and 3%, respectively. Furthermore, simulation results showed the failure mode was CFRP intermediate-span crack- induced (IC) de-bonding as observed experimentally.