Modelling of CFRP–concrete bond using smeared and discrete cracks

This paper presents a finite element study of the bond characteristic between CFRP and concrete. The behaviour of twelve shear-lap specimens was modelled using a combination of smeared and discrete cracks. The smeared crack model is based on Rankine’s failure criterion, whereas the discrete crack model is based on nonlinear fracture mechanics, where both mode I and II fractures are accounted for. The finite element model proved to be able to predict the ultimate loads, crack patterns at failure and CFRP strain distributions reasonably well. The same method was then used to simulate debond failures in retrofitted beams which also showed good correlation with the experimental results.