Despite extensive field applications of FRP plates, not all behavioral aspects of this construction material have yet been fully understood. One neglected aspect is their rupture and the causes for their debonding off the concrete surface to which they are adjoined under unexpected, premature loads. The present study aims to initially investigate, experimentally, the effects of internal rebar arrangements and externally-bonded strengthening FRP on the debonding of strengthening plates. The results will then be employed to model these effects using some common finite element programs.

Keywords: FRP, RC Beams, Debonding, Crack spacing, Crack Width, Strengthening, Bar Diameter, Strips