Improved Stresses Analysis of a Functionally Graded Beam under Prestressed CFRP Plate

Abstract

In this paper, a new analytical solution is presented to predict the interfacial stresses of a functionally graded beam reinforced by a prestressed CFRP plate under thermo-mechanical load. A finite element (FE) analysis is also employed to validate the results of the analytical solution, the results from both models agreed very closely. Also, a parametric study is carried out in order to identify the effects of various material and geometrical properties on the magnitude of interfacial stresses. The presented results show that the interfacial stresses are highly concentrated at the end of the laminate, which can lead to a debonding at this location. Also, the material and geometrical properties have a significant impact on the magnitude of interfacial stresses. This new research approaches the practical reality of the structures in their environment by taking into consideration a combination of neglected terms by the other studies. Therefore, the results presented in this paper can serve as a benchmark for future analyses of functionally graded beams strengthened by prestressed Carbon fibre-rein-forced polymer (CFRP) plates and improve the rehabilitation, mechanical and corrosion resistance.