Crack Width Predictions of Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Beams with FRP and Steel Rebars
摘要
Crack analysis is one of the most significant and relevant topics in the study of reinforced concrete structures. The evolution of the crack state and the magnitude of the crack width is influenced by numerous physical and mechanical parameters that make analytical modelling of the problem particularly complex. The interaction between reinforcement and concrete and the related stress transfer mechanisms are the key aspects to be defined for an effective solution of the structural problem. For concrete structures reinforced with steel rebars, the existing models, while not entirely exhaustive, are well established and offer reliable predictions. Similarly, for concrete beams reinforced with FRP rebars, crack width calculation models have been developed, demonstrating good reliability, although further experimental validation is still required. On the other hand, in concrete beams with hybrid reinforcement comprising steel and FRP rebars, models for predicting maximum crack widths have not yet been adequately established. This is due to the challenges associated with accounting for the different mechanics of reinforcement-to-concrete stress transfer and the variability of the mechanical and geometric parameters involved. The present paper is devoted to the analysis of the cracking of concrete beams reinforced with FRP and steel rebars. The influence of the main involved parameters such as the ratio between the amount of FRP and steel reinforcements, the mechanical properties of the materials and the configuration of the reinforcement is evaluated by the analysis of a database of experimental results. The American and Italian guidelines proposed for purely FRP-reinforced beams were calibrated for hybrid-reinforced beams and the effectiveness was evaluated through the comparison between their prediction and experimental data.