Characterization of composite-to-concrete interface: Use of the cohesive zone approach

The purpose of the study is to investigate more closely the bilinear cohesive zone modeling method in the case of the characterization of composite reinforcement bonded to concrete. Based on several experimental results, and comparing obtained data to a national design guide giving recommendations in the field of concrete structural reinforcement by composite materials, the characteristic bilinear modeling data were determined for three different systems having different stiffness. The rigidity influence on the maximum capacity, and more particularly, on the characteristic anchorage length was checked. Moreover, measured strain along the reinforcement fitted well to expected theoretical strain profiles. These comparisons between theoretical expectations and experimental results highlighted the adequacy of the bilinear cohesive zone modeling for composite bonded to concrete.