One-dimensional extended FEM based approach for predicting the tensile behavior of SHCC-FRP composites

In this paper, a one-directional extended finite element method (XFEM) based approach is formulated for predicting the tensile behavior of strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCC)-Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. Linear shape function is adopted to model the internode displacement and Heaviside function is applied to model the discontinuous displacement at cracks. The bridging behavior from SHCC and FRP grids are considered by the bridging stress between crack surfaces, which follow the respective traction-separation laws. Randomness of cracking strength and bridging strength of SHCC are also taken into account in this model. Based on the comparison with existing and new experimental results, the precision of the proposed XFEM model is evaluated in terms of constitutive relationship and crack configuration, all showing satisfactory agreement with experimental results. Finally, effects of key design parameters (cracking strength of SHCC, bridging strength of SHCC and layers of FRP) on the overall tensile behavior of SHCC-FRP composites are investigated. The cracking strength of SHCC and the layers of FRP dominate the tensile behavior of SHCC-FRP composites prior to and after the cracking of matrix respectively.