A new finite element model was proposed to simulate a concrete beam retrofitted by
carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite under cyclic loading. A link
element was introduced as interface element to model crack propagation based on the
cohesive law in the concrete material. Then the mass and the damping matrix of the
link element were defined. A bar element was implemented to simulate the CFRP
and then the energy release rates was determined. The load-displacement of the beam
was compared with the existing experimental test data and conventional fracture
mechanics models carried out using ABAQUS software. The load-displacement curves
found by the proposed model were in reasonable agreement with the results of
existing experimental data (5.4%–7.6% difference) while conventional fracture
mechanics models carried out by the software ABAQUS showed a greater
difference (15.2%–24% difference) when compared to the previous experimental
tests.
