Finite element modeling of insulated FRP-strengthened RC beams exposed to fire

Abstract

This paper presents a finite element (FE) model for the thermo-mechanical analysis of insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams exposed to fire. In the model, the effects of loading, thermal expansion of materials, and degradations in both the mechanical properties of materials and the bond behavior at FRP-to-concrete and steel-to-concrete interfaces due to elevated temperatures are all considered. The validity of the FE model is demonstrated through comparisons of FE predictions with results from existing standard fire tests on insulated FRP-strengthened RC beams.