NUMERICAL MODELLING OF FRP-STRENGTHENED RC BEAM- COLUMN JOINTS

This paper presents the results of a series of finite element models of RC beam- column joints with and without fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofit. The modelled specimens form part of an experimental campaign and this analysis aims at informing the design of experiments. The effect of slab and transverse beams as well as of reinforcement detailing were investigated and the results used to design a simple step-by-step FRP retrofit strategy. It was found that FRP strengthening of the joint in shear was needed to concentrate damage in the column. Adding flexural strengthening and column confinement, the load capacity of the specimen was increased by 10% in the model, preventing yielding of the column bars and reducing damage in the joint. The results of the models will need to be checked and calibrated against experimental data once the tests have been conducted.