Optimal Design of CFRP Plates For Strengthening RC Flat Slab-Column Connections: Parametric Study and GWO-Based Optimization

Abstract

The present study assesses the efficacy of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates in enhancing the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) flat slab-column connections under both punching shear and seismic loading conditions. A comprehensive parametric analysis is conducted using the Abaqus finite element software, encompassing 33 distinct models with variations in key parameters including loading conditions, number of fiber layers, orientation, thicknesses, and dimensions of the CFRP plate. The numerical model is validated through experimental testing of a laboratory-scale prototype, demonstrating a mean error of 5.2% relative to experimental data, indicating satisfactory accuracy. Furthermore, an optimal design approach for CFRP plates is developed employing the gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The primary objective of this optimization framework is to mitigate damage in the slab-column connection under loading. Computational simulations are performed simultaneously in Abaqus and MATLAB to determine the optimal geometric parameters of CFRP for retrofitting the connection. The results demonstrate that CFRP plates with optimal parameters can reduce more than 90% of the damage incurred at the slab-column connection. The results, together with the CFRP optimization model developed using GWO, can be practically utilized for the optimal design of CFRP plates to reinforce structures.