Numerical simulation of tests for the evaluation of the performance of the reinforced concrete slabs strengthening by FRCM

Abstract

In this work the attention is focused to the numerical simulation of the experimental bending tests carried out on a total of six reinforced concrete r.c. plates the latter aimed to provide a basic understanding of the its performance when strengthened by Fiber Reinforced Cementitius Matrix (FRCM) Composites. Three of those were used as control specimens. The numerical simulation was carried out by LUSAS software. A good correlation between the FE results and data obtained from the test, both in the load-deformation behavior and the failure load was highlighted. This permits to prove that applied strengthening system gives back an enhancement 2.5 times greater in respect of the unreinforced case. A greater energy dissipation ability and a residual load-bearing capacity makes the proposed system very useful in the retrofitting as well as in the case of strengthening of bridge structures. Based on the validation of the FE results in bending, the numerical analysis was also extended to characterize the behavior of this strengthening system in tensile.