63 / 2022-03-31 16:35:49

Static and impact performance of prestressed CFRP-strengthened RC beams using novel H-type end anchors

CFRP,impact performance,post-impact,prestressed structures,FRP-concrete.

To address the problem of insufficient ductility of traditional Carbon Fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete structures and to promote the application of CFRP in marine civil engineering, the present study develops novel prestressed CFRP-strengthened RC beams using H-type end anchors with ductility controllable devices. In this device, part of the reinforcement bars are replaced by CFRP, which is prestressed as the structural enhancement material. The CFRP sheet is connected with a tensioned screw, which is used to realize the function of early warning based on a large plastic deformation when the structure is overloaded. Thus, the ductility of the composite structure could be improved relying on the yielding of the screw rod rather than the fracture failure of CFRP sheet. This study investigates the flexural static and impact performance of the representative large-scale RC beams strengthened by prestressed CFRP through four-point bending and drop-weight impact. The results show that the H-typed end anchor and the prestress level of CFRP not only improve the ultimate resistance and ductility, but also realize the overload warning function under static load. Accordingly, the design still shows advantages in energy consumption and impact resistance through drop-weight impact. 3D nonlinear finite element model is built to simulate well the multiple impact performance in terms of the failure modes, impact force and displacement history. This study provides a new approach to address design deficiencies with insufficient ductility behaviour while using CFRP as a strengthening material. This prestressing technology is able to utilize the material efficiency of high-strength CFRP and open a new path for CFRP applications in marine civil engineering.