Meso-Scale Numerical Analysis of the Torsional Size Effect of RC Beams Reinforced with CFRP Sheets Under Combined Bending and Torsion
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In practical engineering, buildings are predominantly subjected to combined forces, and reinforced concrete (RC) beams serve as the primary load-bearing components of buildings. However, there is a paucity of research on the torsional effects of RC beams, particularly concerning the torsional failure mechanisms of large-size beams. To address this gap, this paper establishes a meso-scale numerical analysis model for RC beams reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets under combined bending and torsion pressures. The research analyzes how the fiber ratio and torsion-bending ratio govern torsion-induced failure characteristics and size effects in CFRP-strengthened RC beams. The results indicate that an increase in the fiber ratio leads to accumulated damage distribution in the RC beam, a gradual decrease in CFRP sheet strain, and an increase in peak load and peak torque, albeit with diminishing amplitudes; as the torsion-bending ratio increases, crack distribution becomes more concentrated, the angle between cracks and the horizontal direction decreases, overall peak load decreases, peak torque increases, and CFRP sheet strain increases; and the nominal torsional capacity of CFRP-strengthened RC beams declines with increasing size, exhibiting a reduction of 24.1% to 35.6%, which distinctly demonstrates the torsional size effect under bending–torsion coupling conditions. A modified Torque Size Effect Law is formulated, characterizing in quantitative terms the dependence of the fiber ratio and the torsion-bending ratio.
Source: Buildings
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G395787865, G6600713169, G7421135745
OpenAlex ID: W4412692092