Next Article in Journal
Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Laminates with Eco-Friendly Bio Resin: A Comparative Study of Mechanical and Fracture Properties
Previous Article in Journal
Nanocellulose/Nanoporous Silicon Composite Films as a Drug Delivery System
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Exploring Damage Patterns in CFRP Reinforcements: Insights from Simulation and Experimentation

1
Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence & Complex Systems Engineering, ENSAM, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20670, Morocco
2
College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142057
Submission received: 26 May 2024 / Revised: 12 July 2024 / Accepted: 15 July 2024 / Published: 18 July 2024

Abstract

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) have become increasingly significant in real-world applications due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and high stiffness. These properties make CFRP an ideal material for reinforcing concrete structures, particularly in scenarios where weight reduction is crucial, such as in bridges and high-rise buildings. The transformative potential of CFRP lies in its ability to enhance the durability and load-bearing capacity of concrete structures while minimizing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the infrastructure. This research explores the impact of reinforcing structural elements with advanced composite materials on the strength and durability of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. By integrating Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) reinforcements, we subjected both rectangular and T-section concrete beams to comprehensive three-point bending tests, revealing a substantial increase in flexural strength by 45% and crack resistance due to CFRP reinforcement. The study revealed that CFRP reinforcement increased the flexural strength of concrete beams by 45% and improved crack resistance significantly. Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the beams was enhanced by 40% compared to unreinforced specimens. These improvements were validated through finite element simulations, which showed a close alignment with the experimental data. Furthermore, an innovative simulation study was conducted using a finely tuned finite element numerical model within the Abaqus calculation code. This model accurately replicated the laboratory specimens in terms of shape, dimensions, and loading conditions. The simulation results not only validated the experimental observations but also provided deeper insights into the stress distribution and failure mechanisms of the reinforced beams. Novel aspects of this study include the identification of specific failure patterns unique to CFRP-reinforced beams and the introduction of an enhanced interaction model that more accurately reflects the composite behavior under load. In CFRP-reinforced beams, specific failure patterns were identified, including flexural cracks in the tension zone and debonding of the CFRP sheets. These patterns indicate the points of maximum stress concentration and potential weaknesses in the reinforcement strategy. The study revealed that while CFRP significantly improves the overall strength and stiffness, careful attention must be given to the bonding process and the quality of the adhesive used to ensure optimal performance. These findings contribute significantly to the understanding of material interactions and structural performance, offering new pathways for the design and optimization of composite-reinforced concrete structures. This research underscores the transformative potential of composite materials in elevating the structural integrity and longevity of concrete infrastructures.
Keywords: concrete; reinforced concrete; finite element model; abaqus; composite materials; damage; mechanical properties concrete; reinforced concrete; finite element model; abaqus; composite materials; damage; mechanical properties

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Bounjoum, Y.; Hamlaoui, O.; Hajji, M.K.; Essaadaoui, K.; Chafiq, J.; El Fqih, M.A. Exploring Damage Patterns in CFRP Reinforcements: Insights from Simulation and Experimentation. Polymers 2024, 16, 2057. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142057

AMA Style

Bounjoum Y, Hamlaoui O, Hajji MK, Essaadaoui K, Chafiq J, El Fqih MA. Exploring Damage Patterns in CFRP Reinforcements: Insights from Simulation and Experimentation. Polymers. 2024; 16(14):2057. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142057

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bounjoum, Youssef, Oumayma Hamlaoui, Mohamed Karim Hajji, Khalil Essaadaoui, Jalal Chafiq, and Mohmmed Ait El Fqih. 2024. "Exploring Damage Patterns in CFRP Reinforcements: Insights from Simulation and Experimentation" Polymers 16, no. 14: 2057. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142057

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop