SAM FRP Tool

This tool targets structural engineers and retrofit designers who size FRP reinforcement for SAM FRP configurations. It accepts a rectangular beam cross-section, FRP material properties, and a design moment, then returns a feasible reinforcement plan. Conceptually, the tool applies the transformed-section method, treating FRP as the tensile reinforcement with an effective modulus ratio to the base material. The result indicates whether the loads are achievable with the given FRP and, if not, the minimum FRP area required to meet capacity. The workflow emphasizes reproducibility and auditable design notes for approvals.
Core behavior includes clearly separated inputs and outputs, with required fields for geometry, material strengths, and loads. Advanced settings allow environmental factors, fiber orientation, and multiple load cases. For each scenario, the tool computes tensile capacity T_f = f_fu × A_f and a lever arm z derived from geometry; it then derives A_f to satisfy M_d under a safety factor φ. It supports metric units and can generate a concise design summary suitable for reports. The unique value is a fast, transparent path from raw data to a defensible capacity estimate, reducing iteration time.
Use cases include retrofit upgrades, new-beam sizing, and feasibility checks for SAM FRP configurations. Differentiators include built-in defaults aligned with common practice, transparent assumptions, and exportable results. It does not perform full nonlinear analysis or shear design; it focuses on bending capacity sizing and documentation to support engineering decisions.