Performance of RC Beam using CFRP, GFRP and SSWM Subjected to Torsion: Numerical Study

Abstract

The research on flexure, shear and axial strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) members has been conducted many times, but very few studies have been carried out on torsional strengthening of RC members. The main objective of the present study is to ascertain the better strengthening material in terms of torsional strength and damage patterns. A numerical study is carried out using ABAQUS software to understand the behavior of RC beam strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and Stainless-Steel Wire Mesh (SSWM). Total sixteen beams are adopted from literature, one beam is kept as a control beam, while the other fifteen beams are strengthened using CFRP, GFRP and SSWM with five different wrapping configurations. Torque-twist response, ultimate torque and corresponding twist, damage pattern, maximum principal strain and energy absorption capacity are measured and compared with experimental results from literature. A close match between experimental results and FE analysis results is found out. An actual plan is considered for the further study which is G+5, 3BHK building situated at Sargasan, Gandhinagar. From which, one beam is taken subjected to torsional loading. The design of the beam is done using IS 456:2000 under shear force, bending moment and torsion. After scaling down of the RC beam, numerical investigation of RC beam is performed strengthened using CFRP, GFRP and SSWM with three different wrapping patterns using ABAQUS software. Torque-twist response, ultimate torque and corresponding twist, damage pattern, maximum principal strain and energy absorption capacity are measured. Comparison is also made for the same wrapping pattern but different materials for different parameters. Study reveals that effectiveness of SSWM as a strengthening material is as good as CFRP and GFRP in terms of torsional strength, failure pattern and maximum principal strain.