Numerical modeling of semi-confined composite beams consisting of GFRP and concrete

Utilizing composite members in structures has been considered by many researchers in the past few decades. Using FRP can be very effective owing to its excessively high-tensile strength, which compensate concrete weak performance in tension. In this research, the studied composite beam includes a GFRP semi-confined trapezoidal section covered by GFRP and concrete layers. To assess the bearing capacity, a finite-element model of a composite beam subjected to displacement control loading has been developed and the results were validated using experimental results found throughout the literature. Several parameters affecting the bending performance and behavior of the semi-confined beam have been investigated in this study. Some of these parameters included the thickness of GFRP trapezoidal section members, concrete layer thickness, GFRP layer thickness and the confinement degree of the beam. The results revealed that the beam confinement had the highest effect on the bearing capacity due to prevention of separation of concrete from GFRP which causes the failure of the beam. From the results obtained, an optimal model of primary beam section has been introduced, which provides a higher bearing capacity with the same volume of materials used in the original beam section.