FE modelling of bond interaction of FRP bars to concrete

In this paper a computational modelling approach is used to investigate the bond behaviour of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) bars in concrete. Two finite element packages (ANSYS and ABAQUS) are used to model the bond interaction of FRP reinforcing bars in cubes and beams. The main purpose of this work is to develop additional understanding of how FRP bars ‘cooperate’ with concrete to sustain the pullout load. Two modelling approaches are presented. In the first approach, a spring describing the behaviour of short embedment lengths in pullout tests was used for predicting the behaviour of longer embedment lengths. In the second approach, spring characteristics obtained from an experimentally determined bond stress against anchorage length envelope are used in FE modelling of beams. Both approaches showed good agreement between analytical and experimental results. However, further development on the analytical modelling of the bond interaction is required, in order to consider the effect of all parameters that influence bond

FRP reinforcement in RC structures

fib Bulletin 40 deals mainly with the use of FRP bars as internal reinforcement for concrete structures. The background of the main physical and mechanical properties of FRP reinforcing bars is presented, with special emphasis on durability aspects. For each of the typical ultimate and serviceability limit states, the basic mechanical model is given, followed by different design models according to existing codes or design guidelines