Cracking analysis of FRP-reinforced concrete flexural members

The paper is dedicated to the cracking analysis of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Po lymer)-reinforced concrete elements. A general nonlinear calculation proced ure, based on the slip and bond stresses, is described and adopted for the prediction of the crack width and crack spacing in FRP-reinforced concrete beams. An analytical expression of the bond-slip law is estimated using the corresponding experimental results available in the literature. A numerica l investigation is carried out and the influence of the mechanical and geom etrical parameters of the material (bond-slip law, reinforcement ratio, con crete strength, diameter of rebars, etc.) on the crack formation is investi gated. Referring to glass-FRP-reinforced concrete beams, a comparison betwe en the theoretical predictions and experimental results is made. The result s obtained are presented and discussed.