Numerical simulation of performance of near-surface mounted FRP-upgraded beam-column sub-assemblages under cyclic loading

This study deals with the performance of the upgrading schemes for the existing gravity load designed (GLD) reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column sub-assemblages using near-surface mounted (NSM) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars. In this study, exterior beam-column sub-assemblage of a general RC-framed structure has been considered. Numerical investigations of the sub-assemblages have been carried out under cyclic loading using nonlinear finite element analysis. Experimentally validated numerical models have been used for evaluating the performance of various upgrading schemes using NSM bars. Cyclic behaviour of reinforcement, concrete modelling based on fracture energy, bond-slip relations between concrete and steel reinforcement have been incorporated. The study also includes numerical investigation of crack and failure patterns, ultimate load-carrying capacity, strain comparisons and formation of plastic hinges, load-displacement hysteresis, energy dissipation and ductility. Seismic performance in terms of energy dissipation and development of strain in beam bar shows that some of the upgraded schemes are found to be comparable to the seismically designed ductile specimens. The findings of this study would be helpful to the practising and design engineers for developing detailing criteria for newly designed - or strengthening of deficient - reinforced concrete structure.