Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

Fall 12-18-2019

Abstract

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) have been widely used to strengthen reinforced concrete structures, however, nowadays their use to strengthen steel structures is under investigation. In particular, the need to strengthen corroded steel structures found in aggressive environments, such as marine environments, which have undergone a reduction in cross-sectional area and hence a reduction in their load-carrying capacity is in need of studying. The main problems that arise when using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets to strengthen steel structures is the weakness in the interfacial bond between the CFRP and the steel surface, the thinness of CFRP sheet, and the possibility of the occurrence of galvanic corrosion between the carbon fibres and the steel surface. To study these factors an experimental program was undertaken to determine the performance and efficiency of using CFRP to strengthen steel structures. In these experiments beam specimens were tested to see if the FRP caused a notable increase in their flexural capacity. The tests included both corroded and un-corroded steel beam specimens in the unreinforced state and reinforced by CFRP, as well as specimens with an insulating layer of glass fibres to help prevent galvanic corrosion. The results of the beam tests suggested that the thickness of the CFRP sheet is an important parameter and that a good bond resistance is required as this was the main failure mode.

Comments

This was a Senior Year Graduation Project at BUE.

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