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We conducted a finite element simulation by using a computer program, ATENA, to verifythe behavior of T-section reinforced concrete beams strengthened by bonded wireropes in the negative moment region with a pretensioned initial prestressing force; we compared thisbehavior with that in experimental tests. The simulation was performed on five models consistingof one unstrengthened beam and beams strengthened by wire ropes with initial prestressing forces of 0%, 10%, 20%,and 30%. We found that the capacity of a flexuralload had the ratios to the experimental results close to 1 ? that is, 1.25, 1.16, 1.12, 1.01, and 1.10, for UB, SB1, SB2,SB3, and SB4, respectively. The ratios of effective stiffness, as the result ofthe simulation, to the experimental results were 1.45, 1.08, 1.76, 2.13, and2.46 for UB, SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4, respectively. We also observed that crack propagation developedin the finite element simulation indicated that all modelsunderwent flexural failure. |
