Parametric Study of FRP–Steel Hybrid RC Beams Through Finite Element Simulation

Abstract

This paper presents a parametric study of concrete beams reinforced with both steel and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars based on finite element (FE) ABAQUS software. To ensure the reliability of the FE prediction in terms of moment-deflection curves, cracking pattern, and failure mode of the FRP–steel hybrid reinforced concrete (RC) beams, the numerical FE results were compared against the published test data for FRP–steel hybrid RC beams with different types of FRP bars (G/C/A/BFRP) and their arrangements. The numerical results confirmed with reported test results that FRP bars increase the beam's stiffness and its ultimate bending capacity, although they may have an impact on ductility. Based on the validated FE model, the following cases were investigated: (i) altering the position of lower longitudinal FRP bars from outer corners to the mid-span center; (ii) substituting top and bottom longitudinal steel bars with FRP; (iii) replacing all steel reinforcement, including stirrups, with FRP. The findings contribute to the development of optimized hybrid reinforcement layouts, balancing stiffness, strength, and ductility, leading to more efficient hybrid reinforcement strategies in corrosion-resistant structural design.