Nonlinear Finite-Element Modeling of Concrete Bridge Girders Prestressed with Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Polymers
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 29, Issue 8
Abstract
Concrete beams (girders) prestressed with steel cables are widely used in highway bridges. The prestressed steel cables are prone to area loss due to corrosion. The high stress level and deteriorated bond due to corrosion further risks the structural integrity of these beams. Therefore, corrosion-resistant fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement has been investigated as a substitute for prestressed steel in pretensioned concrete beams. While generating data on such members, especially at a large scale, is a slow and costly affair, validated finite-element models (FEMs) can be leveraged to accelerate the process. This paper presents an FEM strategy for carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) prestressed beams that is convenient yet sufficiently accurate. A series of AASHTO Type-I beams with a composite deck were previously tested by the authors and the data from those tests were used to validate the developed FEM approach. Thereafter, a parametric study was conducted using the developed FEM, and the results were used to investigate the behavior of such pretensioned concrete beams beyond the scope of the experimental work. The investigated parameters included prestress ratio, modulus, and reinforcement ratio of the prestressing CFRP reinforcement, and the properties of the concrete and the composite deck. The influence of these parameters on the cracking load, precracking and postcracking stiffnesses, flexural capacity, and maximum deflection of the beam was examined. The results indicate that the prestress ratio influences the cracking load and deflection in CFRP-prestressed beams, with FRP properties affecting postcracking behavior and failure modes. The tensile strength and rupture strain of FRP, respectively, affect the bending capacity and deflection, while the concrete properties have a minor impact on the beam behavior.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research project was in part funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) under the Project NCHRP 12-97. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the funding agency.
References
AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). 2020. AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications, 9th ed. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
Abdelatif, A. O., J. S. Owen, and M. F. M. Hussein. 2015. “Modelling the prestress transfer in pre-tensioned concrete elements.” Finite Elem. Anal. Des. 94: 47–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.finel.2014.09.007.
ACI (American Concrete Institute). 2017. Guide for the design and construction of externally bonded FRP systems for strengthening concrete structures. ACI 440.2R-17. Farmington Hills, MI: ACI.
Ali, A. H., H. M. Mohamed, B. Benmokrane, and A. ElSafty. 2019. “Theory-based approaches and microstructural analysis to evaluate the service life-retention of stressed carbon fiber composite strands for concrete bridge applications.” Composites, Part B 165: 279–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.11.083.
Arab, A. A., S. S. Badie, and M. T. Manzari. 2011. “A methodological approach for finite element modeling of pretensioned concrete members at the release of pretensioning.” Eng. Struct. 33 (6): 1918–1929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2011.02.028.
Ayoub, A., and F. C. Filippou. 2010. “Finite-element model for pretensioned prestressed concrete girders.” J. Struct. Eng. 136 (4): 401–409. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000132.
Belarbi, A., M. Dawood, P. Poudel, M. Reda, H. Tahsiri, B. Gencturk, S. H. Rizkalla, and H. G. Russell. 2019. Design of concrete bridge beams prestressed with CFRP systems. Washington, DC: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. https://doi.org/10.17226/25582.
Cai, J., J. Pan, and X. Zhou. 2017. “Flexural behavior of basalt FRP reinforced ECC and concrete beams.” Constr. Build. Mater. 142: 423–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.087.
Cervenka Consulting. 2023. Atena Software. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.cervenka.cz/Products/.
Červenka, J., and V. K. Papanikolaou. 2008. “Three dimensional combined fracture–plastic material model for concrete.” Int. J. Plast. 24 (12): 2192–2220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijplas.2008.01.004.
Červenka, V., L. Jendele, and J. Červenka. 2012. ATENA program documentation part 1 theory. Prague, Czech Republic: Červenka Consulting.
Cook, A. C., S. S. Vel, and S. E. Johnson. 2018. “Pervasive cracking of heterogeneous brittle materials using a multi-directional smeared crack band model.” Int. J. Mech. Sci. 149: 459–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJMECSCI.2017.09.016.
Coronelli, D., A. Castel, N. A. Vu, and R. François. 2009. “Corroded post-tensioned beams with bonded tendons and wire failure.” Eng. Struct. 31 (8): 1687–1697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2009.02.043.
Darmawan, M. S., and M. G. Stewart. 2007. “Spatial time-dependent reliability analysis of corroding pretensioned prestressed concrete bridge girders.” Struct. Saf. 29 (1): 16–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2005.11.002.
Dassault Systemes. 2020. ABAQUS: Theory and User’s manuals (2019). Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.3ds.com/products-services/simulia/products/abaqus/.
Durand, R., J. F. Vieira, and M. M. Farias. 2023. “Numerical analysis of bonded and unbonded prestressed RC beams using cohesive and non-compatible rod elements.” Eng. Struct. 288: 116157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.116157.
Grace, N., T. Enomoto, P. Baah, and M. Bebawy. 2012. “Flexural behavior of CFRP precast prestressed decked bulb T-beams.” J. Compos. Constr. 16 (3): 225–234. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)cc.1943-5614.0000266.
Grace, N., E. Jensen, V. Matsagar, and P. Penjendra. 2013. “Performance of an AASHTO beam bridge prestressed with CFRP tendons.” J. Bridge Eng. 18 (2): 110–121. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)be.1943-5592.0000339.
ICC-ES (International Code Council Evaluation Service). 2020. AC125: Acceptance criteria for concrete and reinforced and unreinforced masonry strengthening using externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite systems. Brea, CA: ICC-ES.
Kim, J. R., H.-G. Kwak, B.-S. Kim, Y. Kwon, and E. M. Bouhjiti. 2019. “Finite element analyses and design of post-tensioned anchorage zone in ultra-high-performance concrete beams.” Adv. Struct. Eng. 22 (2): 323–336. https://doi.org/10.1177/1369433218787727.
Lee, S.-H., A. Abolmaali, K.-J. Shin, and H.-D. Lee. 2020. “ABAQUS modeling for post-tensioned reinforced concrete beams.” J. Build. Eng. 30: 101273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101273.
Li, F., and Y. Yuan. 2013. “Effects of corrosion on bond behavior between steel strand and concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 38: 413–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.08.008.
Lim, J. C., and T. Ozbakkaloglu. 2015. “Lateral strain-to-axial strain relationship of confined concrete.” J. Struct. Eng. 141 (5): 04014141. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001094.
Lou, T., M. Liu, S. M. R. Lopes, and A. V. Lopes. 2017. “Effect of bond on flexure of concrete beams prestressed with FRP tendons.” Compos. Struct. 173: 168–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.04.021.
Lou, T., S. M. R. Lopes, and A. V. Lopes. 2015. “A comparative study of continuous beams prestressed with bonded FRP and steel tendons.” Compos. Struct. 124: 100–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.01.009.
Markovič, M., N. Krauberger, M. Saje, I. Planinc, and S. Bratina. 2013. “Non-linear analysis of pre-tensioned concrete planar beams.” Eng. Struct. 46: 279–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2012.08.004.
Mendis, A. S. M., S. Al-Deen, and M. Ashraf. 2017. “Effect of rubber particles on the flexural behaviour of reinforced crumbed rubber concrete beams.” Constr. Build. Mater. 154: 644–657. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2017.07.220.
Mendis, A. S. M., S. Al-Deen, and M. Ashraf. 2018. “Flexural shear behaviour of reinforced crumbed rubber concrete beam.” Constr. Build. Mater. 166: 779–791. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2018.01.150.
Menetrey, P., and K. J. Willam. 1995. “Triaxial failure criterion for concrete and its generalization.” ACI Struct. J. 92 (3): 311–318. https://doi.org/10.14359/1132.
Mertol, H. C., S. Rizkalla, P. Scott, J. M. Lees, and R. El-Hacha. 2007. Durability of Concrete Beams Prestressed with CFRP Bars. SP-245: Case Histories and Use of FRP for Prestressing Applications. https://doi.org/10.14359/18759.
Moreira, L. S., J. B. M. Sousa, and E. Parente. 2018. “Nonlinear finite element simulation of unbonded prestressed concrete beams.” Eng. Struct. 170: 167–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.05.077.
Naito, C., R. Sause, I. Hodgson, S. Pessiki, and T. Macioce. 2010. “Forensic examination of a noncomposite adjacent precast prestressed concrete box beam bridge.” J. Bridge Eng. 15 (4): 408–418. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000110.
Okumus, P., M. G. Oliva, and S. Becker. 2012. “Nonlinear finite element modeling of cracking at ends of pretensioned bridge girders.” Eng. Struct. 40: 267–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2012.02.033.
Padmarajaiah, S. K., and A. Ramaswamy. 2002. “A finite element assessment of flexural strength of prestressed concrete beams with fiber reinforcement.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 24 (2): 229–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0958-9465(01)00040-3.
Poudel, P., A. Belarbi, B. Gencturk, and M. Dawood. 2022. “Flexural behavior of full-scale, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer prestressed concrete beams.” PCI J 67 (5): 22–39. https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij67.5-01.
Qapo, M., S. Dirar, J. Yang, and M. Z. E. B. Elshafie. 2015. “Nonlinear finite element modelling and parametric study of CFRP shear-strengthened prestressed concrete girders.” Constr. Build. Mater. 76: 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.11.068.
Rinaldi, Z., S. Imperatore, and C. Valente. 2010. “Experimental evaluation of the flexural behavior of corroded P/C beams.” Constr. Build. Mater. 24 (11): 2267–2278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.04.029.
Samani, A. K., and M. M. Attard. 2014. “Lateral strain model for concrete under compression.” ACI Struct. J. 111 (2): 441–451. https://doi.org/10.14359/51686532.
Shehata, E., and S. Rizkalla. 1999. “Intelligent sensing for innovative bridges.” J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct. 10 (4): 304–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045389X9901000406.
Steensels, R., B. Vandoren, L. Vandewalle, and H. Degée. 2019. “Evaluation of end-zone detailing of pre-tensioned concrete girders.” Eng. Struct. 187: 372–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.02.068.
Stochino, F., M. L. Fadda, and F. Mistretta. 2018. “Low cost condition assessment method for existing RC bridges.” Eng. Fail. Anal. 86: 56–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2017.12.021.
Tokyo Rope. 2000. CFCC, carbon fiber composite cable, product circular no. 991-2T-SA. Tokyo: Tokyo Rope Manufacturing Co.
Vorel, J., and W. P. Boshoff. 2015. “Computational modelling of real structures made of strain-hardening cement-based composites.” Appl. Math. Comput. 267: 562–570. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AMC.2015.01.056.
Wang, X., G. Wu, Z. Wu, Z. Dong, and Q. Xie. 2014. “Evaluation of prestressed basalt fiber and hybrid fiber reinforced polymer tendons under marine environment.” Mater. Des. 64: 721–728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.07.064.
Xie, J., X. Zhao, and J.-B. Yan. 2018. “Experimental and numerical studies on bonded prestressed concrete beams at low temperatures.” Constr. Build. Mater. 188: 101–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.117.
Yapar, O., P. K. Basu, and N. Nordendale. 2015. “Accurate finite element modeling of pretensioned prestressed concrete beams.” Eng. Struct. 101: 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENGSTRUCT.2015.07.018.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 29 • Issue 8 • August 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 29, 2023
Accepted: Apr 1, 2024
Published online: Jun 4, 2024
Published in print: Aug 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Nov 4, 2024
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.