In the present paper a design oriented model is proposed to evaluate the flexural
resistance of elements of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) of tensile strain-softening or
tensile strain-hardening behaviour and strengthened longitudinally by steel bars in the
tensile zone of a rectangular cross section. The cross sectional moment-curvature response
predicted by this model is used in a numerical approach to predict the load-deflection
relationship of beams failing in bending. To appraise the predictive performance of this
approach, the results obtained in an experimental program with shallow beams of steel
fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete and strengthened with distinct reinforcement
ratios are compared to those estimated by the developed model. The predictive
performance of the model is quite satisfactory, taking into account the simplified
approaches adopted in order to have a closed form solution that can be used in the scope
of design FRC elements failing in bending.Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (QREN) - 345
