Numerical simulation on structural behavior of FRP profile‐concrete hybrid beams with bolt shear connector

Abstract

FRP profile‐concrete hybrid beam, composed of a FRP profile beam, a concrete slab made of normal concrete (NC) or ultra‐high‐performance‐concrete (UHPC), and shear connectors, shows significant potential for employment in large‐span bridges due to its excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight, and easy construction. The structural behavior of such hybrid beam was simulated using a three‐dimensional non‐linear finite element model (FEM) in Abaqus. The Hashin failure model and concrete damage plastic (CDP) model were employed to characterize the progressive failure of FRP, NC, and UHPC, respectively. The FEM considered partial shear connection by utilizing shear load‐slip model and the orthotropic behavior of the FRP profile. The proposed FEM was validated through comparisons with experimental data in terms of load‐midspan deflection curve, load‐end slip curve, and failure modes. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to identify the effects of various factors, including concrete strength, bolt spacing, concrete slab width, concrete slab height, FRP flange and web thickness, and shear span. Based on the results yielded from FEM analysis, the accuracy of the calculation method in Chinese standard (GB‐50608) for predicting the loading capacity of hybrid beams was evaluated and found too conservative.