Strain energy release rate for interfacial cracks in hybrid beams

The finite element modeling and fracture mechanics concept were used to study the interfacial fracture of a FRP-concrete hybrid structure. The strain energy release rate of the interfacial crack was calculated by the virtual crack extension method. It is shown that the crack growth has three phases, namely, cracking initiation, stable crack growth and unstable crack propagation. The effects of geometric and physical parameters of the hybrid beam on the energy release rate were considered. These parameters include Young’s moduli of the FRP, the concrete and the adhesive, thickness of the FRP plate and adhesive, and the distance of FRP plate end from the beam end. The numerical results show that the energy release rate of the interfacial crack is influenced considerably by these parameters. The present investigation can contribute to the mechanism understanding and engineering design of the hybrid structures.