Predictions of the maximum plate end stresses of imperfect FRP strengthened RC beams: study and analysis

A theoretical method to predict the interfacial stresses in the adhesive layer of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with porous FRP plate is presented in this paper. The effect due to porosity is incorporated utilizing a new modified rule of mixture covering the porosity phases. The adherend shear deformations have been included in the present theoretical analyses by assuming a linear shear stress through the thickness of the adherends. Remarkable effect of the porosity has been noted in the results. Indeed, the resulting interfacial stresses concentrations are considerably smaller than those obtained by other models which neglect the porosity effect. It was found that the interfacial stresses are highly concentrated at the end of the FRP plate, the minimization of the latter can be achieved by using porous FRP plate in particular at the end. It is also shown that the interfacial stresses of the RC beam increase with volume fraction of fibers, but decrease with the thickness of the adhesive layer.