Experimental and numerical analysis of composite beams strengthened by CFRP laminates in hogging moment region

An experimental and a non linear finite element investigation on the behavior of steel-concrete composite beams stiffened in hogging moment region with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) sheets is presented in this paper. A total of five specimens were tested under two-point loads. Three of the composite beams included concrete slab while the other two beams had composite slabs. The stiffening was achieved by attaching CFRP sheets to the concrete surface at the position of negative bending moment. The suggested CFRP sheets arrangement enhanced the overall beam behavior and increased the composite beam capacity. Valuable parametric study was conducted using a three dimensional finite element model using ANSYS program. Both geometrical and material nonlinearity were included. The studied parameters included CFRP sheet arrangement, concrete strength and degree of shear connection.