A unified approach for the static and dynamic analyses of intermediate debonding in FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams

A spectral method is proposed for solving static and dynamic problems in FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams in a unified way. In order to appropriately simulate the debonding failure a mechanical model considering nonlinear stress–strain relationships for concrete and steel is used. The FRP-to-concrete interface is modelled using a realistic bilinear local bond-slip law. Numerical results with the proposed model for the interfacial shear stress distribution and the load–displacement response are derived for beams statically tested. Using the same spectral model the influence of interfacial delaminations on the dynamic characteristics of the structures is studied. The feasibility of the proposed method for performing dynamic analyses for high frequency excitations in a very simple and non-expensive way makes this study very useful in non-destructive testing analyses as a tool for diagnoses and detection of debonding in its initial stage by monitoring the change in dynamic characteristics.