Rational method for calculating deflection of continuous FRP R/C beams

A method is proposed for calculating the deflection of FRP reinforced concrete structures based on the integration of moment-curvature relationship. The moment-curvature relationship is assumed to be essentially bilinear with slopes corresponding to the flexural rigidity of the gross and the cracked sections, respectively. The proposed method is used to obtain closed-form solutions for maximum deflection of continuous beams under three common types of loading. The predictions of this method are compared with available experimental data and with the corresponding predicted values by other available methods. The available methods use the concept of effective moment of inertia, similar to the ACI method for conventional reinforced concrete, or some modifications thereof. The predicted values by the proposed method compare better with the experimental results than the effective moment of inertia methods.