A structural mechanics shear capacity model for FRP plated RC members

Abstract

The major problem in developing design rules for the enhancement of the shear capacity of reinforced concrete structures through plating is not in the contribution of the FRP but in the shear capacity of the steel reinforced concrete element. This is reflected in present day design of unplated reinforced concrete members which are highly dependent on pure empirical rules which have no structural mechanics basis. This paper describes a structural mechanics model for the shear capacity of reinforced concrete with any type of reinforcement that includes steel reinforcing bars but also includes FRP bars as well as externally bonded FRP plates and near surface mounted FRP plates. As such, it will allow much more rapid development of design rules for the shear capacity of reinforced concrete members with FRP reinforcement.