FRP Lamella

user manual
software version 4.x
exural and shear
strengthening
using S&P FRP systems
Wiebke vom Berg

bow ingenieure gmbh
braunschweig hamburg (germany)
2





FRP Lamella





design software
for flexural and shear strengthening with FRP materials
according to ACI 318 and ACI 440


User Manual

version 4.x






Peter Onken, Wiebke vom Berg, Dirk Matzdorff
bow ingenieure gmbh braunschweig / hamburg germany
3
Contents
1. Program user interface 4
1.1 Start of the program 4
1.2 Settings 4
1.3 Basic information about the FRP Lamella user interface 4
1.4 Data input 5
1.5 Output of results6
2. Input and output windows 7
2.1 Input window project 7
2.2 Input window code 8
2.3 Input window geometry 9
2.4 Output window cross-section 10
2.5 Input window concrete 11
2.6 Input window steel 12
2.7 Input window main flexural reinforcement 13
2.8 rebar tables for the selection of reinforcement cross-sectional area 14
2.9 Input window loads in unstrengthened state 15
2.10 Input window loads in strengthened state 16
2.11 Input window FRP system 18
2.12 Input window FRP cross-section 19
2.13 Output window design 21
2.14 Output window strains in ultimate limit state 22
2.15 Output window strains / stresses in service state 23
2.16 Input window FRP system 25
2.17 Input window shear reinforcement 26
2.18 Output window shear strengthening 27
3. Program menu and tool bar 28
3.1 Menu bar items 28
3.2 Tool bar symbols 30
4. Installation instructions 31
Appendix 32
bow engineers experts for strengthening design


4
1.1
1.2
1.3
1. Program user interface
Start of the program
The software is developed for the following Windows operating systems: Win 9x, 2000, NT.
After successful installation of FRP Lamella you start the program by either clicking the FRP Lamella
icon on the Desktop or choosing the option FRP Lamella in the Windows start menu of your computer.
First the disclaimer will appear. In the menu language, you can select the language of the program
window. Please carefully read the displayed agreement. You have to accept to start the FRP Lamella
main window.
To exit the program FRP Lamella and close the window, click the cross in the title bar at the upper
right corner of the program window. Instead you can either choose the option exit of the file menu.
Settings
To ensure optimum display performance of the FRP Lamella program on your screen a minimum
screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels is assumed.
The display font size is also essential for a proper display of the program window. In the Windows
menu Start point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double click Display. On the Settings tab,
click Advanced, then you will find the Font Size list on the General tab. Small fonts (standard) should
be selected, otherwise several items might not be completely displayed.
Basic information about the FRP Lamella user interface
You will find general information about Windows user interfaces in your Windows manual or in the
online help function of your Windows operating system.
Title bar The uppermost line of the FRP Lamella program window shows information
about program, data file and path.
Menu bar The items File, Calculation, Extras and Info on the menu bar lead to different
submenus. You will find a detailed list of all menu items in chapter 3.1.
Tool bar The most frequently required functions can easily be called from the toolbar by
clicking one of the symbols. You will find a detailed list of all tool bar symbols
in chapter 3.2.
Tree view The tree views in the left part of the program window enable you to call the
different input and output windows directly. Click the + symbol in front of a
heading to display the subordinated items. A click on the symbol hides the
subordinated items again.
Quick info Positioning the mouse pointer on one of the input or output fields an
explanation (tooltiptext) will appear after a few seconds. Proceed in the same
way to get explanations for the functions of the tool bar.
Language You can change the language of the user interface and the print. A selection
of the available languages can be found in the menu Extras (see chap. 3.1).
5
1.4 Data input

The required data is entered on several input windows shown in the upper part of the program user
interface. The titles of the different windows are listed in the opposite tree view. They are classified
according to the topics general information, cross-section, loads, flexural and shear strengthening.
Every input window shows a graphic to illustrate the essential data.
To show the different input windows click the related title in the tree view. If one heading includes
several subordinated windows, the first window will be displayed automatically. Input windows that
are not accessible yet are displayed in light grey.
Use the button on the right below the picture box of each input window to display the next
window. It is recommended to follow the sequence of the windows to make sure that no window is
left out. The button on the left below the picture box leads to the previous input window.
Enter the required data in the provided text boxes of each window. If necessary overwrite the
entry 0. Text boxes with a grey font are locked and cannot be modified. Disabled text boxes
having a dark background are not considered in the calculations.
The key button in the toolbar enables you to unlock input fields having a grey font and modify the
preselected values.
For some items you can choose from a list of different values.
After you have entered all required data you can start the calculation either by clicking the button
calculation below the graphic of the input window FRP cross-section or by clicking the
calculator symbol in the toolbar.
Start the proofs of anchorage and shear capacity by clicking the button proof below the graphic
of the corresponding input window. A click on the tick symbol in the toolbar will carry out all
proofs successively. This function is useful after reopening an existing input data file.
6
1.5 Output of results

The results are displayed in additional windows located in the lower part of the program user interface.
The titles of the different windows are listed in the opposite tree view. They are classified according to
the topics general information, strengthening and proofs.
To show the different output windows click the related title in the tree view. If one heading
includes several subordinated windows, the first window will be displayed automatically. Output
windows that are not accessible yet are displayed in light grey
The result values are displayed in text fields having a light grey or coloured background. These
values cannot be modified.
Pay attention to the output fields highlighted in blue or red colour. They will show you if the proof
conditions are met and if special details of construction have to be followed.
The output windows of strains in ultimate limit state and strains in service state additionally show a
graphical representation of the strain distribution (s. chap. 2.14 and 2.15). You can change the
scale by clicking the picture.
The performed calculations can be printed on any printer installed under Windows operating systems.
You can modify the content of the heading line in the menu Extras >> company letterhead. It is
possible to print each page individually.
pages 1 4 design of flexural strengthening
page 5 design of shear strengthening


2. Input and output windows
7
2.1 Input window project

When you start the program the first window project opens. It offers the possibility to enter some
general project and structural element data. This information appears on each page of the printout and
will help you administrating your projects.
Enter the project number and the project name.
For each structural element you can enter a number and an appropriate description.

tip
Use the button on the right below the picture box to display the next window

8
2.2 Input window code

In this window you can choose the underlying code and guideline for the design. Additionally you
determine the material properties as well as the unit measurement for the input and output. These
adjustments are saved on your computer so that they are reloaded at the next start of the software.
Choose the code according to which standard you want to perform the design of the
strengthening measure simply by clicking the related option button (not every version offers the
possibility to choose the code).
Afterwards choose the guideline on which the design of FRP strengthening shall base. But only
certain combinations of concrete design code and FRP guideline are possible.
Select a country for the available steel and concrete grades as well as the FRP products. The
national material properties will then appear in the relevant input windows. The appropriate
national flag appears next to the selection box.
You have the choice from different units of measurement: the unit of lengths and forces as well as
the unit of strains.


9
2.3 Input window geometry

FRP Lamella offers the possibility to strengthen the most frequent types of cross-section: slabs,
rectangular beams, T-beams and I-beams. According to your choice FRP Lamella will present the
appropriate illustrating graphic.
Click the geometry list and choose the type of cross-section.
Enter the dimensions of the cross-section in the corresponding data fields.
note
After entering all data the graphic turns into a true to scale graphic to allow a visual control of the
values.
Please indicate whether you want to strengthen an exterior or interior structural member.
According to ACI 440 the software will preselect the environmental reduction factor C
E
depending
on the exposure condition.
For slabs please indicate the span or the cantilever length. This input data field will be displayed
when you select a slab. The length is required to calculate the maximum spacing of FRP strips.
(s. chap. 2.12).

10
2.4 Output window cross-section

After entering the size of the structural member the cross-section values are calculated and shown in
the lower part of the user interface.
The upper field shows the gross cross-sectional area A
g
of the structural member.
The gravity axis z
cg
of the cross-section is related to the top of the member.
Furthermore the moment of inertia I
y
of the cross-section is given.
The section modulus S
top
and S
bottom
apply to the top and the button of the cross-section.

note
The cross-section values are related to the gross cross-section of the member.
11
2.5 Input window concrete

The window concrete indicates the material properties of the concrete. You can select the concrete
classes according to the chosen code.
Define the characteristic compressive strength f
c

of the existing concrete.
The concrete maximum strain
cu
is limited to 0.003 according to ACI 318 (see FRP Lamella
design basics).
The strain at the axis of the parabolic curve
c2
is assumed to be 0.002 according to ACI 318
(see FRP Lamella design basics).
The modulus of elasticity of concrete E
c
is necessary for the calculation of the uncracked state
of the structural member.
The tensile strength of the concrete f
r
defines the transition between the uncracked and the
cracked state of the cross-section.
The strength reduction factor
flexure
for the reinforced concrete member is preselected as

flexure
=0.9 according to ACI 318 (see FRP Lamella design basics).
note
If the steel strain in ultimate limit strain is less than 0.005, the software will calculate a modified
strength reduction factor
flexure
<0.9 to compensate low ductility of the section and restart the
design calculation automatically (see FRP Lamella design basics).

note
You can modify the proposed values by using the key button in the tool bar.

12
2.6 Input window steel

The material properties of the reinforcing steel are entered in the window steel. The software offers the
possibility to define 2 types of reinforcing steel as well as 2 types of prestressing steel. The graphic
shows both stress-strain diagrams.
Select the steel grade of the reinforcing steel and of the prestressing steel from the steel list. The
appropriate specified yield stress f
y
and the appropriate specified tensile strength f
pu
of the
prestressing steel will be displayed in the field next to the steel list. If the required steel grade is
not available in the list, select the entry other, which enables you to define the characteristic
strength.
note
The available steel grades in the list depend on the country selected in the window code.
For rebars select between plain and ribbed sections, for prestressing steel it is to distinguish
between strands and wires. The choice has an effect on the bond of the rebars or the modulus of
elasticity of the prestressing steel, respectively.
The modulus of elasticity E
s
for reinforcing steel is preselected as E
s
= 29.000 [ksi] in
accordance to ACI 318. For prestressing steel the modulus of elasticity E
p
is preselected
depending on the chosen section in accordance to ACI 318.
The maximum steel strain
su
and
pu
is assumed as 0.03. It is only needed for the termination of
the iteration. Before this strain limit will be reached, the design will be controlled by the strain limit
of the FRP material.

note
You can modify the proposed values by using the key button in the tool bar.
13
2.7 Input window main flexural reinforcement

Details about the existing rebars of the concrete member at the position of the maximum bending
moment can be entered in the window main flexural reinforcement. FRP Lamella allows the input of
six reinforcement layers in the tension or compression zone. You must at least enter one layer of
internal reinforcement since the software does not design unreinforced members.
Enter the cross-sectional area A
s
of the existing tension rebars.
tip
Click the number button at the beginning of each line and an additional window shows a table of
rebars diameters. You can select the number and the cross-section for groups of rebars and copy
the total sum of the cross-sectional area of reinforcement to the input window (s. chap. 2.8).
The position of the reinforcement is given by the depth z
s
measured from the top edge of the
structural member to the axis of the rebars.
Afterwards you choose the steel grade. The list shows the four grades defined in the previous
window steel. For unclassified steel grades the defined yield strength or tensile strength will be
displayed.
For prestressed steel you have to enter the effective prestress f
pe
after all losses (t =). The
resulting prestressing force is shown in the input window loads in unstrengthened state
(s. chap. 2.9).
The option bonded is only enabled for prestressing steel. You can define if the tendon is fixed to
the surrounding concrete or if it slides without bond through a sheath. Rebars are always bonded
to the concrete.
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2.8 Rebar tables for the selection of reinforcement cross-sectional area

The cross-sectional area of reinforcement can be copied from a table which offers a wide selection of
rebar diameters. The cross-sectional area is depending on the number of rebars in a beam or the
spacing of rebars in a slab. To open the rebar table just click the number button in the input window
main flexural reinforcement.
Choose a cross-sectional area by clicking a white field in the table. The background of a selected
field turns into blue. For beams, a multiple choice is possible. The sum of the cross-sectional
area A
s
of the selected rebars is displayed below the table.
You cancel a selection by clicking the blue field again.
You copy the selection to the reinforcement window by clicking the button copy . The rebar table
will be closed.
Close the table without copying the value by clicking the button cancel .


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2.9 Input window loads in unstrengthened state

The window loads in unstrengthened state defines the imposed actions just before strengthening with
FRP. The resulting strains in the concrete member are taken into consideration for the strengthening
design. The graphic schematically presents the initial state as a bridge girder, which is closed for
traffic during application of the FRP strengthening and only loaded by the dead load of the structure.
Choose the design for a positive (moment of span) or negative moment (moment at support).
note
This choice is linked with the type of moment in the window loads in strengthened state. It is not
possible to choose different types of moments in both windows.
Enter the unfactored bending moment M
ip
which is imposed to the structure during the
application of the FRP strengthening. Commonly this will be the dead load moment. This value
defines the initial state of strain in the cross-section. For statically indeterminated systems you
may have to add the secondary moment from prestressing M
p
'.
If the member is subjected to an external axial force, e.g. the dead load of an inclined beam, you
have to choose between compressive and tensile force.
Enter the unfactored axial force N
ip
resulting from the imposed load. Compressive forces have a
positive effect and can be ignored.
For prestressed members the program displays the prestressing force N
P
as well as the
prestressing moment M
p0'
that are considered in the design. The values result from the cross-
sectional area, prestress and position of the prestressing steel entered in the window main flexural
reinforcement (s. chap. 2.7).
note
The software considers only the statically determinated prestressing moment. If the support
conditions of the prestressed member are statically indeterminated, add the secondary moment
M
p
' to M
ip
, M
u
and M
s
.
To define the transition between the uncracked and the cracked state of the cross-section, decide
if the bending tension zone of the cross-section is already cracked under service loads.
Reinforced concrete members are usually always cracked, for prestressing members it depends
on the degree of prestress and the history of loading. As a rule the cross-section is uncracked for
maximum prestress (no tensile forces in service state).


16
2.10 Input window loads in strengthened state

The window loads in strengthened state defines the future actions. You have to enter the bending
moments which are imposed to the concrete member after strengthening with FRP (see FRP Lamella
design basics). The graphic schematically presents the strengthened state as a bridge girder, which is
loaded by dead load of the structure and an additional high live load.
Choose the design for a positive (moment of span) or negative moment (moment at support).
note
This choice is linked with the type of moment in the window loads in strengthened state. It is not
possible to choose different types of moments in both windows.
If the member is subjected to an external axial force, e.g. the dead load of an inclined beam, you
have to choose between compressive and tensile force.
Enter the factored moment M
u
for the expected loads considering the load factors for dead and
live loads. For statically indeterminated systems you may have to add the secondary moment
from prestressing M
p
'. (s. chap. 2.9).
Proceed in the same way for the factored axial force N
Sdf
. Take also into consideration the load
factors for dead and live loads.
You can either enter the exact values of imposed actions in service state or choose the option
approximate. In this case the characteristic values of the bending moment and axial force are
calculated from the given factored values as follows:
m , M
u
s
M
M

=
m , N
u
s
N
N

=
note
The use of the option approximate is especially recommended if the design actions are
determined by a complicated structural analysis (e.g. finite elements). Using the average load
factors you can avoid another analysis applying unfactored loads.
If you have chosen the option exact, enter the service moment of strengthened state M
s
. For
statically indeterminated systems you may have to add the secondary moment from
prestressing M
p
' (s. chap. 2.9).
If the member is subjected to an external axial force, enter the unfactored axial force N
s
.
If you have chosen the option approximate, enter an average load factor
M,m
for bending
moments. The service moment M
s
is then calculated with above-mentioned equation from the
factored moment M
u
. The valid range for the average load factors is 0 to 1.0.
Is the member loaded with an axial force, also enter the average load factor
N,m
.
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18
2.11 Input window FRP system

The window FRP system shows the material properties of the CFRP laminates and sheets. The
displayed safety and reduction factors as well as the limited design strain are preselected according to
the guideline you have chosen in the window code.
Select the FRP product from the list. There is one type of prefabricated S&P FRP laminates and
different types of hand lay-up carbon sheets available.
For prefabricated laminates choose the type of bonding. While externally bonded laminates
provide a larger cross-sectional area, near surface mounted (slot-in) laminates show a higher
bond resistance (see FRP Lamella design basics).
Below the FRP material list the appropriate adhesive is mentioned. For some systems a selection
of different adhesives is available. S&P Resin 50 is used for pouring slots in negative moment
regions of slabs.
Depending on the chosen type of FRP the modulus of elasticity E
f
, the tensile strength f
fu
* and
the ultimate strain
fu
* of the material will be displayed (see FRP Lamella design basics). For
FRP linear-elastic material behaviour is assumed.
The environmental reduction factor C
E
is preselected for interior or exterior members according
to ACI 440.
The additional FRP strength reduction factor
f
is applied to the flexural contribution of the FRP
strengthening according to ACI 440.
The design rupture strain
fu
of the fibres is calculated from the ultimate strain
fu
* and the
environmental reduction factor C
E
according to ACI 440.

note
You cannot modify the material properties of FRP. But you can change the preselected reduction
factors by using the key button in the tool bar.
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2.12 Input window FRP cross-section

In the window FRP cross-section you are asked to choose the number and arrangement of the FRP
strips. Check the minimum and maximum spacing respectively. You can choose up to three layers
with different cross-sectional areas as well as different effective depths.
Before selecting the FRP cross-section, start the iteration either by clicking the button
calculation on the bottom right of the window or by clicking the calculator symbol in the toolbar.
The required FRP cross-sectional area will be calculated and displayed in the output window
design below.
note
To carry out the design calculation, in this window only the depth z
f1
of the FRP layer 1 from the
top edge of the concrete member has to be given. As the design iteration can only determine the
cross-sectional area of one FRP layer (one unknown), FRP layers 2 and 3 are initially locked, but
they are enabled after the design calculation.
For each layer choose an FRP cross-section. The available selection depends on the chosen
FRP product in the window FRP System. For sheets the theoretical fibre thickness t
f
is given
and you can choose the width w
f
of the sheet. The delivery width of the sheet is preselected.
Enter the number of FRP plies n
f
lying on top of each other. One single ply is preselected. The
maximum is two plies of laminates or five plies of sheets.
For beams enter the number m
f
of FRP strips lying next to each other. The spacing s
f
of the
strips is calculated.
note
The software checks if the arrangement of FRP strips fits to the tension face of the member. A
message will appear if the strengthening does not fit.
For slabs with a standard width (1 [m] or 12 [in]), enter the spacing s
f
of the strips. The number
m
f
of FRP strips lying next to each other is calculated. The limit spacing s
f,max
or s
f,min
respectively,
is calculated according to the German guidelines with following conditions (see FRP Lamella
design basics):
20
s
f,max
= 0.2 times span
s
f,max
= 5 times slab thickness
s
f,max
= 0.4 times cantilevering length
s
f,min
= maximum size of aggregate 32 mm (near surface mounted laminates)
For each layer the cross-sectional area A
f
is calculated. The total sum of FRP strips in one layer
is calculated from the number of plies n
f
multiplied by the number of strips m
f
.
For each layer determine the depth z
f
of the FRP reinforcement from the top edge of the concrete
member. To guarantee the position of the bonded FRP system in the tension zone, keep the limit
z
f,min
and z
f,max
respectively. The depth of the tension zone corresponds approximately to a fifth of
the member height.
The strain limit
fe,max
for FRP depends on the stiffness (modulus of elasticity, thickness, number
of plies, ultimate strain) of the material. The reduction factor
m
is determined according to the
equations given in ACI 440. The strain limit is taken into consideration for the design calculation
and can be checked in the result window strains in ultimate limit state. (s. chap. 2.14).

note
After the determination of the required FRP cross-section the outstanding information can be given to
ensure the sufficient moment capacity of the strengthened member (s. chap. 2.13). All 3 FRP layers
are taken into account for the determination of the resisting moment in strengthened state.


21
2.13 Output window design

After the design calculation the result window design will appear in the lower part of the user interface.
The chosen cross-sectional area of the FRP system can be compared to the required cross-sectional
area and the flexural capacity of the strengthened member is checked.
The required cross-sectional area A
f,req
is calculated based on the previously entered data. It
considers the imposed bending moment M
u
of the strengthened state and the depth z
f
of FRP
layer 1 from the top edge of the member.
The provided cross-sectional area A
f,prov
is displayed. The total cross-sectional area results
from the sum of all three layers entered on the window FRP cross-section.
note
If you have entered several FRP layers with different depths z
f
, the bending moment proof can fail
in spite of sufficient cross-sectional area of FRP, because the required cross-sectional area only
considers the depth of FRP layer 1.
The design capacity of the strengthened section M
n
is determined by an additional iteration
taking into account the chosen cross-sectional area of FRP strengthening.
In the proof line the flexural capacity M
n
is compared to the imposed bending moment M
u
.
tip
If the proof condition is met, the result fields will be highlighted in blue and you can access the
results of the service limit state and all additional proofs.
On the right side of the window M
n0
describes the design capacity of the unstrengthened
member, taking into account the given strength reduction factor. The determination of the moment
capacity considers the design value of the axial force N
u
.
Below the characteristic capacity M
n0
of the unstrengthened member is given. The
determination of the moment capacity considers the characteristic value of the axial force N
s
.
The degree of strengthening indicates the ratio between the applied factored moment M
u
of
the strengthened state and the design resistance M
n0
of the unstrengthened section. According
to the German guidelines the degree of strengthening should not exceed 2.0 for externally bonded
FRP strips (see FRP Lamella design basics).
The program indicates the remaining global safety factor in case of loss of FRP
strengthening. The nominal capacity of the unstrengthened section M
n0
is compared to the
imposed unfactored service moment M
s
(see FRP Lamella design basics).

tip
The strengthening design is limited by a maximum FRP cross-section. If the required cross-section
exceeds this limit, an error message indicates that FRP strengthening is technically not possible.
Usually in this case the design is limited by failure of the compression zone and flexural strengthening
with FRP is not reasonable. To check this option, decrease the imposed moment M
u
until the software
gives a design result. Then compare the concrete strain in the result window strains in ultimate limit
state to the ultimate concrete strain
cu
.


2.14 Output window strains in ultimate limit state

The output window strains in ultimate limit state (ULS) shows the strain diagram as superposition of
the initial strain and an additional strain (see FRP Lamella design basics). The strain diagram is
displayed true to scale.
The left part of the window shows the strain distribution of the initial state resulting from the initial
bending moment M
0 .

tip
Click the graphic and the strain diagram will be scaled up.
The right part of the window shows the strain profile at the ultimate limit state (ULS) considering
the required cross-sectional area of FRP strengthening A
f,req
.
The strain of the extreme compressive fibre
c
and the height of the compression zone c are
displayed.
tip
If the concrete strain equals the limit
cu
, the design is governed by failure of the compression
zone. In this case flexural strengthening with FRP is often not reasonable. (see FRP Lamella
design basics).
22

p
is the total strain of the prestressing steel including the initial strain due to prestressing.
The strains of the reinforcing steel
s
are given. If the steel strain in ultimate limit strain is less
than 0.005, the software will calculate a modified strength reduction factor
flexure
to compensate
low ductility of the section and restart the design calculation automatically (see FRP Lamella
design basics).
The notation of the effective strain of the FRP material is
fe
.
note
Positive values describe expansion of the material, negative values indicate compression.
Control the design with a hand calculation
The compressive force of the concrete as well as the forces of the steel reinforcement and the CFRP
strengthening can be determined using the corresponding strain of each material given by the
software. For the cross-sectional area of CFRP you should apply the required cross-sectional area
provided by the software in the design window. Then establish the sum of horizontal forces and the
sum of bending moments taking into account the imposed factored moment M
u
in strengthened state
(see FRP Lamella design basics).


2.15 Output window strains / stresses in service state

The output window strain / stresses in service state (SLS) shows the strain diagram and the maximum
stresses of the different materials at service state. The strain diagram is displayed true to scale
The left part of the window presents the strain distribution at service limit state (SLS) as a result
of the characteristic load considering the provided cross-section of FRP A
f,prov
. The output of the
strain distribution at service state serves particularly to control steel strains, which should not
exceed the yielding point. Otherwise the program will give a warning and the selected FRP cross-
section must be increased until no yielding of the reinforcement occurs at service state (see FRP
Lamella design basics).
tip
The strain profile is displayed in the same scale as the strains in ultimate limit state. Click the
graphic and the strain diagram will be scaled up.
23
24
The strain of the extreme compressive fibre
c
and the height of the compression zone c are
displayed.

p
is the total strain of the prestressing steel including the initial strain due to prestressing.
The strains of the reinforcing steel and the strains of the FRP material are displayed as
s

and
f
respectively.
The right part of the window shows the corresponding maximum stresses f of the different
materials at service state.
The maximum stresses are compared with the limit stresses F given in ACI 318 and ACI 440
respectively.
note
If it is not necessary to check the stress limits (see FRP Lamella design basics), you can delete
them by deselecting the option consider stress limits.

note
Positive values describe expansion of the material, negative values indicate compression.
25
2.16 Input window FRP system for shear strengthening

In the window FRP system the material properties of the shear strengthening material are defined.
Select the shear strengthening material from the list. According to your choice the material
parameters will be filled in.
Below the FRP material list the appropriate adhesive is mentioned.
Choose the wrapping scheme of the external FRP shear strengthening. The corresponding
graphic will be displayed in the following window shear reinforcement.
Depending on the chosen type of FRP the modulus of elasticity E
f
, the tensile strength f
fu
* and
the ultimate strain
fu
* of the material will be displayed (see FRP Lamella design basics).
The environmental reduction factor C
E
is preselected for interior or exterior members according
to ACI 440.
The additional FRP strength reduction factor
f
is applied to the shear contribution of the FRP
strengthening according to ACI 440.
The design rupture strain
fu
of the fibres is calculated from the ultimate strain
fu
* and the
environmental reduction factor C
E
according to ACI 440.
The strength reduction factor
shear
for the reinforced concrete member is preselected as

shear
=0.85 according to ACI 318.

note
You cannot modify the material properties of FRP. But you can change the preselected partial safety
and reduction factors by using the key button in the tool bar.

26
2.17 Input window shear reinforcement

In the window shear reinforcement you enter the existing internal shear reinforcement as well as the
dimensions of the FRP shear strengthening.
For beams and T-beams enter the cross-sectional area of the internal stirrups a
sw
per foot.
tip
Click the button table and an additional window will appear. Here you can select from a table of
rebar diameters and spacings the cross-sectional area of double-shear stirrups and take over the
selected value.
Choose the steel grade of the existing shear reinforcement from the list. The list shows the two
grades of reinforcing steel defined in the window steel. For unclassified steel grades the defined
yield strength will be displayed.
The nominal thickness t
f
of one ply of the FRP reinforcement is preselected depending on the
type of FRP selected in the previous window FRP system.
Choose the number of FRP plies n
f
.
Enter the width w
f
of the FRP shear strips.
The cross-sectional area A
fv
of one external FRP stirrup will be calculated.
Enter the spacing s
f
of the external FRP stirrups. The maximum spacing is displayed below.
Input the depth d
f
of the FRP shear reinforcement as shown in the graphic.
The angle of inclination of the external FRP stirrups is preselected to 90. Modify this value if
necessary.
The strain limit
fe
for FRP depends on the stiffness (modulus of elasticity, thickness, number of
plies, ultimate strain) of the material. The reduction factor
v
is determined according to the
equations given in ACI 440. The strain limit is taken into consideration for the design.
After you have entered all required data, you can start the shear check either by clicking the
button proof on the bottom right of the window or by clicking the tick symbol in the tool bar.
27
2.18 Output window shear strengthening

The calculation of the shear capacity is derived from the equations of ACI 318 and ACI 440
respectively. In the left part of the result window shear strengthening, the shear resistance of the
unstrengthened cross-section is given. The right part of the window shows the contribution of the FRP
shear strengthening.
The shear resistance provided just by concrete V
c
is calculated in accordance to ACI 318. In
case the imposed shear force is inferior to this value, shear strengthening is not necessary (see
FRP Lamella design basics).
The shear capacity of the internal shear reinforcement V
s
is indicated below.
The design shear resistance of the unstrengthened cross-section V
n0
indicates whether
external shear strengthening is required or not to cover the whole imposed shear force. If the
factored imposed shear force V
u
does not exceed the shear capacity V
n0
of the unstrengthened
cross-section, additional shear reinforcement is only needed to link the FRP strips of the flexural
strengthening with the internal stirrups (see FRP Lamella design basics).
On the left of the window the contribution of the selected FRP shear strengthening
f
V
f
is
displayed.
Below the design shear resistance of the strengthened cross-section V
n0
is indicated. This
value should exceed the factored imposed shear force V
u
.
The total shear reinforcement should be limited based on the criteria given for steel alone in
ACI 318. The shear contribution of the FRP shear reinforcement and the internal steel shear
reinforcement is compared to the admissible value. The fields will be highlighted in blue, if the limit
is kept, otherwise they change to red.



28
3.1
3. Program menu and tool bar
Menu bar items
Menu File
open
Open an existing data file or search for a file. The windows dialogue open is displayed. Select the
folder where the required data file is located.
save
Save the opened data file using the existing file name. If no file is opened the menu save as will
be called.
save as
Save entered data by indicating a file name, the folder and the drive.
print
Print the currently displayed input data and results. If no calculation has been carried out yet, only
the pages containing the input data will be printed. The windows dialogue print is called. You have
the possibility to select and print each page individually.
end
Terminate the program FRP Lamella and close the program window. If you made changes in the
opened data file, a corresponding inquiry appears which enables you to save those changes.
last files
A list of the last 4 files you have been working on is displayed in the lower part of the menu
window. It is possible to call one of these files by a simple mouse click.

Menu Calculation
dimensioning
Starts the FRP design, after you have entered all relevant values required for the calculation or
after opening an input data file.
strains
After you have selected the required FRP cross-section, you can control the strain distributions at
ultimate limit state and at service state.
shear
Once you carried out a flexural strengthening design, you can move to the shear check with this
menu level. When all required data is entered, you can start the calculation using the submenu
proof.

Menu Extras
company letterhead
Displays a window where you can enter and save the name and address of your company. This
information will appear in the head line of the program printout. It will still be available at the next
program start. The default name and address is S&P Clever Reinforcement Company.
29
always on top
If you are working on several windows at the same time, you can predefine that FRP Lamella
should always appear in the foreground. A tick symbol next to this menu level indicates the current
state of this option.
language
A submenu shows the available languages. A tick symbol indicates the selected language. Click
another entry to change the language of the user interface and the print. When you exit the
program, the selected language while be saved and reloaded at the next start of the program.

Menu Info
info
Indicates the number of the software version as well as the name of the program authors and
information about your computer and your operating system.
contact
Shows the address of the manufacturer S&P Clever Reinforcement or its national sales partner.
?
Opens the path to the FRP Lamella user manuals (pdf documents).


30
3.2 Tool bar symbols

new: Delete the results and clear the input data fields. The program automatically switches to
the first window.
open : Open an existing data file or search for a file. The windows dialogue open is displayed.
Select the folder where the required data file is located.
save : Save the open data file using the existing file name. If no file is opened the menu save as
will be called.
print: Print the currently displayed input data and results. If no calculation has been carried out
yet, only the first page with the input data will be printed. The windows dialogue print is called.
You have the possibility to select and print each page individually.
unlock: Modify the preselected values. Attention: when you change the preselected values,
the calculation is no longer based on the chosen design code and guideline.
calculate: Start the FRP design, after you have entered all relevant values required for the
calculation or after opening an input data file.
stop iteration: Stop the running iteration. A dialog box opens to ask again if you really want to
stop the calculation.
checkings: Carry out the checkings for anchorage and shear. This button is only enabled after
the design of the flexural strengthening.
info: Indicates the number of the software version as well as the name of the program authors
and information about your computer and your operating system.
contact: Shows the address of the manufacturer S&P Clever Reinforcement or its national
sales partner.
help: Opens the path to the FRP Lamella user manuals (pdf documents).

31
4. Installation instructions
Make sure that you are provided with administrative rights under Windows NT or Windows 2000 and
close all current applications. Uninstall older versions of FRP Lamella (Start >>Settings >>Operating
system >>Software >>FRP Lamella >>Delete)
1. Insert the CD in your CD-ROM drive. Click Start, then select Execute.
2. Enter the following under Open: D:\SETUP\SETUP.EXE
(when the letter D corresponds to your CD-ROM drive)
3. Welcome to the Setup Wizard: Click Next.
4. Select Installation Folder: Click Next to install FRP Lamella in the indicated folder or
Browse to choose or create another folder.
5. Confirm Installation: Click Next to start the installation.
6. License Agreement: Read the entire text, then select I Agree to continue.
7. Installation complete: Click Close to finalize the installation.

Installation of the required components
FRP Lamella requires specific Microsoft components to be perfectly installed on your Windows
operating system. The FRP Lamella installation routine searches for those components in your system
and tries to install them automatically. In case these components do not exist you will get an error
message and the FRP Lamella installation will abort.
Components:
Microsoft Data Access Component 2.5: mdac_typ.exe
Database Communication: dcom95.exe for Windows 95
dcom98.exe for Windows 98
.NET Framework 2.0 dotnetfx.exe
The required data can be found in the components folder of the CD-Rom. It is also possible for you to
download the Data Access Components SDK Version 2.5 (mdac_typ.exe) file in any language from
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads.
To install the required files manually:
1. Insert the FRP Lamella CD in your CD-ROM drive. Double click Windows-Explorer.
2. Double click your CD-ROM drive.
3. Double click the FRP Lamella directory, then the components folder.
You will see three files: dcom98.exe, dotnetfx.exe and mdac_typ.exe.
4. Double click the required file to execute it.
Once the required components have been installed on your operating system, restart the FRP Lamella
installation.
32





Appendix


experts for
strengthening
design
bow ingenieure ltd breite strae 15 D-38100 braunschweig germany www.bow-engineers.com
fon +49 531 / 2 43 59 -0 fax +49 531 / 2 43 59 -51 mail@bow-engineers.de

bow engineers are leading consultants

for the application of FRP systems for
strengthening and rehabiliation.
Based on long time and intensive
cooperation with universities and
material testing institutes bow
engineers are able to provide special
know-how and scientific background
for the use of FRP.
bow engineers have developed design
software for strengthening of
reinforced concrete members using
sprayed concrete or FRP.
bow engineers will assist you in the
assessment and development of
strengthening concepts for structures
and will ensure proper design
procedures and effective detailing of
special FRP applications.
bow engineers have been engaged as
expert consultants for strengthening
with FRP systems in a large number
of projects worldwide.
Please ask for further information.

bow engineers