Nonlinear Finite Elements Analysis of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns Strengthened With Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)

This paper presents the results of a study to have better understanding of structural behavior of the reinforced concrete (RC) column wrapped by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. In this study, three dimensional finite element models have been presented using ANSYS computer program (Release 16.0) to analyze reinforced concrete columns strengthened with CFRP composites , to evaluate the gain in performance (strength and ductility) due to strengthening, and to study the effect of the most important parameters such as: compressive strength of concrete, modulus of elasticity of CFRP and fiber orientations . Three dimensional eight-node brick element (SOLID65) was used to represent the concrete, and three dimensional spar element (LINK180) was used to represent the steel and three dimensional shell element (SHELL41) was used to represent the CFRP composites. The present study has a comparison between the analytical results from the ANSYS finite element analysis with experimental data. The results of the study show that, external bonded CFRP sheets are very effective in enhancing the axial strength and ductility of the concrete columns. Inspection of the results shows that, there is good agreement between the ANSYS and the experimental test results.