Plate end debonding failure loads of FRP-or steel-plated RC beams

Plate end debonding failure loads of RC beams strengthened in flexure by bonding an FRP or steel plate to the tension face were investigated in detail. Based on studies of the controlling parameters, the available test data and comparisons of these test data with existing debonding strength models, a simple, rationally-based predictive model for plate end debonding failure loads was presented. In this model, pure flexural debonding for a plate end located in a pure bending region and pure shear debonding for a plate end located in a high-shear zero (or low)-moment region are first dealt with. The general case of a plate end under the combined action of shear and bending is treated as the interaction of these two extreme conditions. The proposed model is shown to be accurate through comparisons with available test results. The model relates the debonding failure load to the shear capacity of the beam and a number of well-defined parameters, and can be easily incorporated in future design codes and guidelines, and may be used in practical applications.