CFRP-strengthened RC beams under fire condition: numerical model

Abstract

The Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has excellent flexural performance on strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. However, it is known that CFRP strengthening systems are very vulnerable to high thermal exposure. To provide a better understanding of its fire behavior and fulfill gaps in this field, this investigation proposes the development of an accurate three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element (FE) model capable of simulating the CFRP-strengthened RC beams flexural behavior at ambient temperature and under fire conditions. To achieve the goals, thermal and mechanical numerical simulations have been performed to validate the developed FE models. Experimental results reported in two parallel studies were used to model’s validation. The numerical model has been satisfactorily validated and the results had a good predictability with the experimental results in terms of thermal and mechanical behavior.