Evaluation of Parameters Effective in FRP Shear Strengthening of RC Beams Using FE Method

Shear strengthening is required when an RC beam is found deficient in shear, or when itsshear capacity falls below its flexural capacity after flexural strengthening. A recenttechnique for the shear strengthening of RC beams is to provide additional FRP webreinforcement, commonly in the form of bonded external FRP strips/sheets. Over the lastfew years, several experimental studies have been conducted on this new strengtheningtechnique, which has established its effectiveness. While experimental methods ofinvestigation are extremely useful in obtaining information about the composite behaviourof FRP and reinforced concrete, the use of numerical models such as the one presented inthis paper helps in developing a good understanding of the behaviour at lower costs. In the study presented in this paper, ANSYS finite element program is used to examine theresponse of beams strengthened in shear by FRPs. The FE model is calibrated against testresults performed at the University of Kentucky. Once validated, the model is used toexamine the influence of fibre orientation, compressive strength of concrete, area of tensile and compressive reinforcements, and amount and distance between stirrups on the strength and ductility of FRP strengthened beam.