FEM analysis of FRCM strengthened RC columns exposed to fire

Summary

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures deteriorate over time and therefore, need to be strengthened. Despite the fact that RC structurtes have a decent fire rating, the performance of the strengthening system under fire exposure needs to be evaluated. One of the main restrictions associated with Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems is their poor resistance to high temperatures, which originates from the combustible polymer matrix. Therefore, Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems have been introduced due to their improved performance during fire exposure. The potential of Poly-paraphenylene-ben-zobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM to strengthen circular RC columns is evaluated using a nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA). The commericial software ABAQUS is used to develop 3D FE models to investigate the axial performance of the strengthening system. The modeling approach is performed by first conducting a thermal analysis to generate the nodal tempertaures. The second step of the model includes a displacement-controlled loading condition with imported nodal temperatures from the first model. The temperature dependent material properties are incorporated in both models. The modeling approach is validated against published literature and a parametric study is conducted on PBO FRCM strengthened and unstrengthened columns heated at durations of 1, 2, and 4 hours following the ASTM standard fire temperature-time curve. Results indicated a decrease in the axial capacity and stiffness of the strengthened and unstrengthened columns upon heating. Moreover, an increase in the columns' ductility due to the increase in temperature was observed. A decrease in ultimate strength of up to 78 and 68% was observed for the unstrengthened and strengthened columns respectively.

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