Dynamic simulation of CFRP‐shear strengthening on existing square RC members under unequal lateral impact loading

AbstractWith the plethora of data on how CFRP layers enhance RCs under static loads, research on how the reinforced structural components react to unequal lateral impact loads from a derailed train striking metro station columns or a car accident is lacking. A similar motivation inspired the current study, which sought to create a numerical technique backed by actual testing to evaluate RC members with CFRP in a range of unequal lateral impact scenarios. This paper uses explicit nonlinear finite element techniques to numerically analyze the response of unequal lateral impact‐loaded RC members wrapped in (CFRP) layers. Diverse variables related to CFRP, concrete, steel reinforcement, and impact energy are investigated. This kind of thorough analysis provides unique insights to strengthen RC members against unequal lateral impact loads. The effects of internal forces and deflections, as well as absorbed energy on the impact response of CFRP‐RC components, were investigated and verified by prior experimental results. A parametric sensitivity analysis was conducted after the strain characteristics of steel bars confirmed the finite element model, reinforcement ratio, impact velocity, CFRP properties, and ductility index all influence the member's impact response. This study's results will help advance the field's understanding of CFRP‐RC components analysis and design under unequal lateral impact.