Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Various Types of FRP Materials Against Explosive Forces

Authors

  • A. Ravitheja

Abstract

During the design process, engineers encounter dynamic loads known as blast loads. This study utilized the ABAQUS program to simulate reinforced concrete (RC) beams that were retrofitted with BFRP, CFRP, and GFRP sheets, and then subjected them to blast loads. Experimental data collected from previous research was simulated in ABAQUS to validate the modeling. The study focused on examining the deflection, reaction force, and damage patterns of RC beams under blast loading. The beam models were sized at 150 x 250 x 2500 mm, with concrete's characteristic compressive strength (fcu) set at 25 MPa.

Parametric analyses within the ABAQUS models included variations in standoff distance (D), TNT weights, and types of FRP used. Findings revealed that RC beams experienced damage primarily in flexure-shear and flexure modes, with spallation areas notably impacting scaled distance. Retrofitting the beams with FRP sheets led to reduced deflection and reaction forces, thereby augmenting the beams' resilience against damage. Notably, GFRP sheets exhibited a more significant effect on retrofitting RC beams under blast loads compared to CFRP and BFRP sheets.

Published

2018-12-31

Issue

Section

Articles