Finite element modelling of aluminum alloy plated reinforced concrete beams

This study presents a nonlinear finite element (FE) model development of reinforced concrete (RC) beams externally strengthened with aluminum alloy (AA) plates. The aim of this numerical study was to elucidate the effects of different anchorage schemes on the capacity, ductility, and failure mode of AA plate strengthened beams reported in a published test. Three FE models were developed; namely, a reference RC beam, a beam externally bonded (EB) with an AA plate, and a beam EB with an AA plate with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) U-wraps at the plate's end. Validation of the developed FE models was carried out by comparing their load-deflection plots, maximum attained loads, deflections at failure, and failure modes with those reported during the test. The results of each FE model yielded an absolute percentage error less than 5%. Moreover, premature failure modes like end-plate and intermediate crack debonding were simulated and closely agreed with those observed during the test. Finally, the validated models were used to employ a parametric study comprising of twelve beams varying in size of steel reinforcement, presence of AA plates, and end-anchorage. It was concluded that the developed FE models could serve as a design platform for assisting structural engineers during flexural retrofit applications using AA plates.