A numerical evaluation of the interlaminar stress state in externally FRP plated RC beams

The present work deals with the structural plating of reinforced concrete beams with composite materials. Some numerical results obtained via finite element method (FEM) are given. The FEM analysis has been performed by using a suitable mechanical model introduced by the authors in previous steps of the research. This model allows to accurately predict the actual stress state at the interface between concrete core and reinforcing plate. Such interfacial stresses play a fundamental role in the mechanics of plated beams, because they can produce a sudden and premature failure. A simplified procedure for verifying the interfacial stress state is also presented.