Reliability Analysis of CFRP-Strengthened RC Bridges Considering Size Effect of CFRP

Abstract

A reliability analysis of an existing structure and a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP)-strengthened structure is commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of strengthening. It also provides the basis for the calibration of the partial factors involved in strengthening design codes. As the fundamental data, the statistical characteristics of the CFRP tensile strength affect the evaluation result. In general, the statistical characteristics of the CFRP strength were obtained from laboratory experiments with small-scale specimens, which resulted in errors caused by the size effect. In this study, a probabilistic series-parallel model is developed to describe the size effect of CFRP. The CFRP fabric is divided into a set of representative volume elements. By numerically simulating the CFRP strength, the relationship between the number of representative volume elements and the mean and coefficient of variation (COV) of the CFRP strength is analyzed. A chi-square test is carried out to determine the distribution type of the CFRP strength. An analytical expression of the mean, COV, and the cumulated density function of the CFRP strength are derived. Finally, an existing bridge, which has operated for 41 years, is selected for the case study; it is strengthened by using CFRP fabric. Reliability indexes of the existing and the strengthened bridges are calculated to analyze the size effect on the reliability of the strengthened structure.

Effect of Damage Severity and Flexural Steel Ratio on CFRP Repaired RC Beams

“…Externally bonded CFRP and steel plates are both adequate for repair solutions; however, the performance of CFRP plates is superior [23]. The CFRP strengthening system's effectiveness in increasing structures' safety is not dependent on the size of the CFRP plate [24]. Even though dynamic characteristics are helpful for evaluating CFRP-repaired concrete girders, their accuracy is restricted.…”

Strength Analysis and Variation of Elastic Properties in Plantain Fiber/Polyester Composites for Structural Applications

“…Extensive literature on recent advancements in reinforced composites and its reliability are reported in classical reports of Dehmous et al [1], Okafor et al [2], Xie and Wang [3], Beaumont et al [4], Pei et al [5], Bittrich et al [6], Prasad et al [7], Wang et al [8]. The hygrothermal efficiencies has been reported by Foulc et al [9], Shettar et al [10].…”