Cracking behavior and crack width predictions of FRP strengthened RC members under tension. (15th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zomorodian, Mehdi; Yang, Guang; Belarbi, Abdeldjelil; Ayoub, Ashraf
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 125(2016:Oct. 15)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2016-10-15
• Subjects: FRP -- Cracking -- Digital image correlation -- Reinforced concrete -- Strengthening; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.06.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Experimental results of uniaxial tensile tests on FRP strengthened RC prisms. The crack width and spacing were monitored by using the DIC system. Evaluating Eurocode 2 and fib 14 formulations for crack spacing and width predictions. Crack spacing and width formulations in fib 14 show better predictions. Wrapping scheme and FRP reinforcement ratios affect the behavior of FRP RC members. The experimental database is used to propose a new formulation for crack predictions. Abstract: This paper presents and discusses the experimental results of uniaxial tensile tests of fiber reinforced polymer externally strengthened reinforced concrete (FRP strengthened RC) prisms in terms of crack width and crack spacing. As a non-contact and material independent system for in-time measurement of displacement and strain, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique has been used in this study for investigating the evolution of strains and formation of cracks during uniaxial tensile tests. As a result, the cracks were measured precisely at any load stage. The experimental results of tests performed by authors and other researchers on FRP strengthened RC members in tension are compared to prediction models from code provisions and guidelines (Eurocode 2 and fib 14), and their suitability are analyzed and discussed. The results show the dependence of the behavior and crack characteristics of FRP strengthened RC members to parameters such as wrapping scheme and FRP reinforcement ratios which are not included in design provisions for crack analysis. A new formulation for predicting crack width and spacing in FRP strengthened RC members, calibrated using the experimental results, has been proposed which considers all the main affecting parameters.