Nonlinear finite analysis on the behavior of mono and hybrid fiber out-of-plane beams reinforced with GFRP bars

Out-of-plane beams are those that deflect out of their main plane of action employing forces or bending moments. Unlike in-plane bending, in which the force induces bending inside that plane by acting perpendicular to the beam’s long axis, This study mainly examined the nonlinear finite element behavior of mono and hybrid fiber on the fixed-ended out-of-plane beams reinforced with GFRP bars. The developed finite element (FE) model using ABAQUS was evaluated and compared with previous experimental data, and it showed good agreement with their outcomes in terms of the load-deflection behavior and mode of failure. Also, a parametric study illustrated the impact of the number of out-of-plane parts, the loading behavior, and the effect of reinforcement ratio on the beams’ mid-span deflection, the cracking and ultimate loads, and the failure mode. The result showed that the beams reinforced with GFRP bars with both steel and synthetic fibers demonstrated enhanced inelastic and ductile performance as they approached failure. In comparison to one and three out-of-plane parts, the beam with two out-of-plane parts had an ultimate load. Additionally, one out-of-plane part’s final deflection is higher than two and three out-of-plane parts, respectively. When the reinforcement ratio is increased the ultimate capacity of beams increases. Also, the beams under a distributed load can withstand a greater amount of load compared to when it is subjected to a concentrated load.