Application of Frictional Bond-Slip Model to Large-Scale FRP-Strengthened T-Beams with U-wraps

Studies on U-wraps generally focus on the experimental results and mechanisms of the shear strengthening effect. Only a few studies have focused on the anchoring effect of the longitudinal FRP due to addition of the U-wrap. Lee and Lopez (Constr Build Mater 194:226–237, 2016) have found experimentally from pull-out tests that incremental changes occur in the debonding strain at the concrete-FRP interface depending on the various type of U-wraps. The proposed numerical method using the Frictional Bond-Slip (FBS) model has been validated by comparing the pull-out test results (Lee and Lopez Constr Build Mater 194:226–237, 2016). In the present study, the FBS model was applied to characterize the behavior of a large scale FRP strengthened T-beam with multiple U-wraps. First, the 2-dimensional (2D) model for pull-out test was developed. Debonding load and behavior of the model were compared with both the experimental results (Lee and Lopez Constr Build Mater 194:226–237, 2016) and the simulation results of a 3-dimensional (3D) model from a previous study (Lee and Lopez Constr Build Mater 194:226–237, 2016). Next, the 2D model was applied to model the behavior of a large scale FRP strengthened T-beam with multiple U-wraps. The conducted 2D simulation using the proposed FBS model predicted well the strains at various locations on the FRP sheet, the flexural capacity and complex failure mode of the FRP strengthened beam with several U-wraps. The proposed FBS model was also applied to other comparable studies, and debonding strains were successfully predicted within an margin of error of 7%. Using the validated model, a parametric study of the FRP strengthened T-beam was conducted with various key parameters of the U-wrap, such as the angle of U-wrap and the number of U-wrap.

Gun Liner Emplacement

The development of a process to emplace a refractory metal liner inside a gun tube is described. The process consists of filling the liner with an elastomeric material and then slipping this arrangement into the gun tube. The ends of the liner are plugged with plastic disks and pressure is applied to the elastomeric material by a load frame. Plastic deformation of the gun tube results in residual radial stresses that induce a frictional bond between the liner and gun tube. Efforts are described to increase the bond strength through increasing the coefficient of friction.

Gun Liner Emplacement Using Elastomeric Materials

The development of a process to emplace a refractory metal liner inside a gun tube is described. The process consists of filling the liner with an elastomeric material and then slipping this arrangement into the gun tube whose inner diameter is close to the outer diameter of the liner. The ends of the liner are plugged with plastic disks and pressure is applied to the elastomeric material by a load frame. This pressure can produce a residual internal stress within the steel gun tube that produces a frictional bond between the liner and gun tube. Initial efforts have resulted in bond strengths over 3 ksi (21 MPa). In addition, by tailoring the degree of lubrication between the elastomeric material and the liner, a graded autofrettage can be produced in the steel gun tube.

Bond-Slip Mechanisms of Hooked-End Steel Fibers in Self-Compacting Concrete

The experimental results of hooked-end steel fibers pullout tests on a self-compacting concrete medium are presented and discussed in this work. The influence of fiber embedment length on the fiber pullout behavior is studied. The role of the end hook of the fiber on the overall pullout behavior is also investigated by carrying out tests with fibers without its end hook, in order to separate the contribution of the frictional bond component from those derived from the mechanisms provided by the end hook of the fiber. Finally, the experimental bond-slip relationships are modeled by an analytical model.

Effect of Aging on Interfacial Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

This paper explores the behavior of the interface of glass fiber and cementitious matrix under the effect of aging. Pull-out tests of multiple alkali resistant glass fiber strands embedded in portland cement paste matrix were conducted. Four different curing regimes of 3 and 14 days normal curing, in addition to 3 and 7 days accelerated aging were employed. A recently developed method of characterizing interfacial properties was used to identify and evaluate the important parameters at interface. The experimental data are presented on the parameter of shear stiffness of a fiber-matrix boundary layer, the shear bond strength, the frictional bond strength and the specific surface energy as a function of fiber embedded length. It was observed that aging had a larger effect on the stiffness of the interface, the shear bond strength and the specific surface energy than on the frictional bond.