CZM-Based Debonding Simulation of Cracked Beams Strengthened by FRP Sheets

This paper uses the transfer matrix method (TMM) to analyze the interfacial behavior of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-plated beam with flexural cracks. The adhesive layer between the beam and the FRP sheet is simulated by the cohesive zone model (CZM) of a general interfacial bond-slip law. The flexural cracks are modeled by rotational springs whose rigidity is dependent on the relative depth of the cracks. The transfer matrix of the FRP-plated beam is then derived, and the joint coupling matrix (JCM) method is introduced to solve the stress resultants, displacements, interfacial shear stress, and axial force of the FRP sheet. Finally, some numerical examples are given, and the results are compared with the available analytical solutions to validate the present method. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EM.1943-7889.0000315. (C) 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.