Finite Element Modeling of Existing Cracks on Pre-loaded Reinforced Concrete Beams

The finite element modeling approach for verifying the load deflection behavior of damaged reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber-reinforced composites is presented in this study. The existence of cracks in the damaged reinforced concrete beams was included in the model as geometrical entities. Parametric studies were carried out and the adequate values for crack width, height and interval were proposed for different damage levels. Concrete damaged plasticity and traction separation model were employed to model the behavior of concrete and epoxy, respectively. A commercial finite element software package ABAQUS was employed for a numerical analysis and all modeling steps were verified with published experimental data. Comparisons between numerical and experimental results confirm that proposed crack modeling was appropriate for obtaining the load–deformation curve of the initially damaged reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber reinforced composites.