Numerical Studies on RC Beams Strengthened with an Externally Bonded Aramid FRP Sheets

One of the most commonly utilised reinforcing treatments for ‘reinforced concrete’ (RC) beams is ‘Fibre-Reinforced Polymer’ (FRP). In the current work, a finite-element analysis was done for a total of five beams, one is the conventional beam and the remaining are externally bonded with Aramid FRP (AFRP) laminates with different numbers of layers at their soffit. All beam elements were loaded under two-point loading and had identical rectangular cross-section shapes. Different material models were investigated for their capacity to represent the behaviour of the beams using the commercial numerical analysis tool Abaqus. A concrete damage plasticity model was made use of for the concrete. Results from the numerical simulation are given in the formation of load–deflection results and differentiation is done for strengthened beams and unstrengthened beams. Failure patterns of RC beams strengthened were shown. Results show that the beams buttressed with AFRP laminates have more load-bearing capacity and stiffness.