FRP strengthened walls with delaminated regions – Geometrically nonlinear response

The paper studies the geometrically nonlinear behavior of walls that are strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials but include pre-existing delaminated regions. The paper uses an analytical–numerical methodology. Three specially tailored finite elements that correspond to perfectly bonded regions, to delaminated regions where the debonded layers are in contact, and to delaminated regions where the debonded layers are not in contact are presented. All finite elements are based on a high order multi layered plate theory. The geometrical nonlinearity is introduced by means of the Von Karman nonlinear strains whereas the contact nonlinearity is handled iteratively. The validity and convergence of the finite element models is demonstrated for each type of element through comparison with closed form analytical solutions available for specific cases. The unified model that combines the three types of finite element is then used for studying the nonlinear behavior of a locally delaminated FRP strengthened wall under in-plane normal and in-plane shear loads. Finally, conclusions regarding the effect of the delamination on the response of the strengthening system, on the conditions that evolve in the bonded region that surrounds the delamination, and on the global response of the multi-layered structure are drawn. Additional conclusions regarding the application of the modeling approach to other delamination sensitive layered structural systems close the paper.