Crack parameters in normal section of FRP strengthened RC elements

Abstract

Contrary to existing studies, this paper presents a prediction model of crack parameters in normal section of FRP strengthened RC elements neglecting crack spacing. A relation between normal crack width, depth and strains in the level of FRP reinforcement, established by Slaitas et al. (Slaitas, Daugevičius, Valivonis, & Grigorjeva, 2018a) and Jokūbaitis et al. (Jokūbaitis & Juknevičius, 2013; Jokūbaitis, Juknevičius, & Šalna, 2013), allowed authors to describe the full development of the crack up to the element failure. Numerical results are compared with experimental ones from the tests of 9 RC beams, strengthened with externally bonded and near surface mounted FRP reinforcements.