A fracture-based model for FRP debonding in strengthened beams

This paper presents an experimental and analytical research study aimed at understanding and modeling of debonding failures in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The experimental program investigated debonding failure modes and mechanisms in beams strengthened in shear and/or flexure and tested under monotonic loading. A newly developed fracture mechanics based model considers the global energy balance of the system and predicts the FRP debonding failure load by characterizing the dominant mechanisms of energy dissipation during debonding. Validation of the model is performed using experimental data from several independent research studies and a design procedure is outlined.