Finite Element Modeling of Concrete Prisms Externally Strengthened with Near Surface Mounted FRP System

In this study, two finite element (FE) models were created to simulate a four-point load bending test. The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the flexural performance of concrete prisms employing fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in two distinct configurations: grooved within the concrete prism and externally bonded to the prism's substrate. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of grooving FRP materials within concrete substrates to achieve better bonding performance and superior flexural strength. The modeling process was conducted using the commercial software ABAQUS. Accordingly, two carbon-FRP (CFRP) concrete prism models underwent FE analysis to evaluate their performance. The FE results of the prisms showed that the predictable ultimate load for the prism externally grooved with CFRP laminate exhibited a notable 6% increase in comparison to the prism with CFRP externally bonded. While the percentage increase is not significant, it illustrates the potential of the grooved system to enhance the load-carrying capacity. The limited percentage increase is attributed to the modeling approach utilizing low-strength concrete. This suggests that the crushing failure mode may have approached closely to the debonding failure mode.