FEM (finite element method) analysis for predicting separation of epoxy-bonded thick steel plates from RC (reinforced concrete) beam

In the past decade, strengthening of RC beam by epoxy-bonded steel plates has become quite widespread in China. When the thin steel plate is relatively thick, failure generally occurs in a brittle way as thin steel plate separates from RC beam, resulting in sudden failure of RC beam. We explain in much detail how to predict the load at which thick steel plate separates from RC beam. Separation often occurs at the ends of thin steel plates where stress concentration is highest. Our FEM analysis takes much pain to capture the peak value of concentration. The good agreement of the computer simulation results with experimental results shows preliminarily that the proposed FEM model and analysis are feasible and effective.