Analytical modelling of R-UHPFRC - RC composite members subjected to combined bending and shear

The addition of a thin overlay of reinforced UHPFRC (R-UHPFRC) to a reinforced concrete (RC) element creates a composite member which can be used for the strengthening of an existing structure and in the design of new structures. With its strain hardening and softening behavior and high resistance in tension, the UHPFRC layer serves as an external tensile reinforcement contributing to both flexural and shear resistance of the RC element. The main failure modes of a composite section were identified during previous experimental campaigns. In this paper, experimental results on a composite slab strip are presented to demonstrate how the layer contributes to the shear resistance. Using this example, an analytical model to predict the behavior and calculate the resistance of a composite member is presented and applied.