Nonlinear finite element analysis of the flexural reinforced concrete beam strengthened with CFRP sheets

Based on the tested data, the finite element analysis software ANSYS was used to establish the finite element model for the nonlinear analysis of RC beam, in which 3-D solid element was for concrete and shell element was for the carbon fiber reinforced ploymer (CFRP) sheet. Models were calculated at the same condition as the experimental beams. Two reinforced beams strengthened with CFRP sheet were calculated in four-point bending. The ANSYS results were compared with the experimental data for two strengthened beams with different thickness of CFRP sheet on the curves of load-midspan deflection, yielding load and ultimate load. The load-deflection curves from the finite element analysis agree well with the experimental results. The average difference in ultimate load for two cases is 5.5%.