A three-parameter elastic foundation model for interface stresses in curved beams externally strengthened by a thin FRP plate

Externally bonding of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) plates or sheets has become a popular method for strengthening reinforced concrete structures. Stresses along the FRP–concrete interface are of great importance to the effectiveness of this type of strengthening because high stress concentration along the FRP–concrete interface can lead to the FRP debonding from the concrete beam. In this study, we develop an analytical solution of interface stresses in a curved structural beam bonded with a thin plate. A novel three-parameter elastic foundation model is used to describe the behavior of the adhesive layer. This adhesive layer model is an extension of the two-parameter elastic foundation commonly used in existing studies. It assumes that the shear stress in the adhesive layer is constant through the thickness, and the interface normal stresses along two concrete/adhesive and adhesive/FRP interfaces are different. Closed-form solutions are obtained for these two interfacial normal stresses, shear stress within the adhesive layer, and beam forces. The validation of these solutions is confirmed by finite element analysis.