Analysis and design of FRP externally-reinforced concrete beams against debonding-type failures

Epoxy-bonding of FRP plates to the tensile face of RC beams has been shown to be an effective repair and strengthening technique. However, local failure by debonding or ripping of concrete cover has been reported in experiments to be a likely mode of failure due to high interfacial shear and normal stress concentrations. Predictive models for finding the interfacial shear stress have been reviewed and evaluated using experimental data reported in the literature. The most critical parameters governing the interfacial shear strength and stress as determined by the models were also examined. Through understanding of the conditions that result in debonding failure, a better approach towards designing FRP-plated RC beams against this mode of failure might be achieved.