Invited Speaker

Abstract: ‌Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars‌, characterized by corrosion resistance, fatigue durability, and outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, have emerged as an innovative alternative to conventional steel reinforcement. This study investigates the interfacial jamming mechanism between ribbed FRP rebars and concrete. By constructing a reduced interfacial contact mechanics model, a ‌quantitative relationship‌ between rib geometric parameters (e.g., height, spacing) and interfacial performance has been established. Based on ‌Hertzian contact theory‌, analytical expressions for contact pressure and strain energy in the rib-concrete interaction zone were derived. A ‌quantitative interfacial strength prediction formula‌ was further proposed by integrating the classical ‌Prandtl-Tomlinson (P-T) model‌ from tribology. Building on this foundation, a modified P-T model‌ was developed to theoretically predict the force-displacement curves during ‌stick-slip friction‌ at the FRP-concrete interface. Through ‌finite element simulations‌, the spatial distribution characteristics of contact pressure and energy dissipation patterns were systematically elucidated. These advancements facilitate a paradigm shift in composite interface design from empiricism to model-driven methodologies, providing ‌quantitative criteria‌ and scientific guidance for optimizing rib configurations in FRP rebar design.

Biography: Dr. Quanzhou Yao‌, received his bachelor’s degree in 2014 and Ph.D. in 2020 from ‌Tsinghua University‌ and currently serves as a ‌Research Assistant Professor‌ at SUSTech. He‌ has been awarded support through a ‌national-level specialized talent program‌ and is additionally recognized as a ‌Category C Talent‌ under the prestigious ‌Shenzhen Peacock Plan‌. Dr. Yao is dedicated to experimental and theoretical research focused on ‌adhesion, friction, and wear behaviors at solid surfaces and interfaces‌. ‌His research interests‌ are specifically centered on ‌interface design‌ and ‌performance optimization‌ of ‌FRP materials, with a focus on advancing their functional reliability and mechanical robustness through innovative structural engineering.