Modeling of anchored CFRP strips bonded to concrete

• A high-resolution DIC system recorded CFRP surface strains in beam tests.
• A computational model was developed to simulate the behavior of anchored CFRP strips.
• Comparison between simulated and experimental strains was made over the CFRP surface.
• Simulations accurately captured behavior at the member and local strain levels.

A computational model was developed for simulating the load transfer mechanisms from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips to CFRP anchors in reinforced concrete strengthening applications. Of particular interest was a model capable of reproducing the strength and strain distributions in anchored CFRP strips up to fracture. Computational results were compared with experimental results from concrete beams strengthened using various anchor and strip details. The numerical results showed good correlation with the experimental results both at the beam response level and the CFRP strain level. The sensitivity of computational results to key modeling assumptions was also examined.