Nonlinear FE modelling of shear behaviour in RC beam retrofitted with CFRP

A nonlinear 3-D numerical model has been developed using the ABAQUS finite element program, and it was used to examine the shear behaviour of beams retrofitted by CFRP. Two models were used to represent the interface between CFRP and concrete, a perfect bond model and a cohesive model. Validation of the model was performed using data obtained from an experimental study. The results showed that the cohesive model is able to simulate the composite behaviour of reinforced concrete beams retrofitted by CFRP in shear correctly. The model is then used to examine the influence of length and orientation of CFRP. It is shown that the length of CFRP and the orientation strongly influence on the behaviour of the retrofitted beams.