Output details

Fracture mechanics of plate debonding: validation against experiment

Significance of output:

This paper presents for the first time a framework for the Global Energy Balance Approach to predict the onset of a debonding fracture in retrofitted/strengthened concrete beams using FRPs. The paper shows that the initiation of debonding must be regarded as a tensile fracture in concrete despite the interface being loaded primarily in shear and is counter to current design methodologies. The analytical framework presented is fully validated against laboratory tests and for the first time enables designers to decide where FRP strengthening plates can safely be curtailed, or if additional anchorage plates are required.