Structural Performance of EB-FRP-Strengthened RC T-Beams Subjected to Combined Torsion and Shear Using ANN

Abstract

This research study applied Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to predict and evaluate the structural responses of externally bonded FRP (EB-FRP)-strengthened RC T-beams under combined torsion and shear. Previous studies proved that, compared to reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular beams, RC T-beams performance in shear is significantly higher in structural analysis and design. The structural response of RC beams experiences a critical change while torsion moments are applied in load conditions. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is used to retrofit the structural elements due to changing structural design codes and loadings, especially in earthquake-prone countries. We applied Finite Element Method (FEM) software, ABAQUS, to provide a precise numerical database of a set of experimentally tested FRP-retrofitted RC T-beams in previous research works. ANN predicted structural analysis results and Mean Square Error (MSE) and Multiple Determination Coefficients (R2) proved the accuracy of this study. The MSE values that were less than 0.0009 and R2 values greater than 0.9960 showed that the ANN precisely fits the data. The consistency between analyzed experimental and numerical results demonstrated the accurate implication of ANN, MSE, and R2 in predicting the structural responses of EB-FRP- strengthened RC T-beams.