A Review on Strengthening Steel Beams Using FRP under Fatigue

Abstract

In recent decades, the application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening structural elements has become an efficient option to meet the increased cyclic loads or repair due to corrosion or fatigue cracking. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the existing FRP reinforcing techniques to care for fatigue damaged structural steel elements. This study covers the surface treatment techniques, adhesive curing, and support conditions under cyclic loading including fatigue performance, crack propagation, and failure modes with finite element (FE) simulation of the steel bridge girders and structural elements. FRP strengthening composites delay initial cracking, reduce the crack growth rate, extend the fatigue life, and decrease the stiffness decay with residual deflection. Prestressed carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is the best strengthening option. End anchorage prevents debonding of the CRRP strips at the beam ends by reducing the local interfacial shear and peel stresses. Hybrid-joint, nanoadhesive, and carbon-flex can also be attractive for strengthening systems.

Hybrid artificial intelligence-based bond strength model of CFRP-lightweight concrete composite

“…Consequently, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has emerged as one of the notable accepted retrofitting materials of the civil engineering community in recent years [1]. Several studies account the success of CFRP as reinforcement in a wide variety of applications for different materials such as aluminum [2,3], steel [4,5], and concrete [6][7][8]. The utilization of CFRP as retrofitting material provides technically sound and cost-efficient due to its lightweight, resistance to corrosion, and ease of handling and installation [9][10][11].…”

Pre-impregnated carbon fibre reinforced composite system for patch repair of steel I-beams

“…In steel structures, the deterioration may be due to corrosion, impact damage, and/or fatigue cracking due to the increase in traffic density, environmental attack and lack of proper maintenance [2]. A common approach of retrofitting structurally deficient steel structures is welding or bolting new steel material onto degraded structures [3].…”

“…In recent decades, the application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening and rehabilitation of structural elements has become essential [2]. Hollaway [1] reported that adhesively bonded FRPs have been used extensively to strengthen concrete structures due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance.…”

“…A number of researchers have now established the effectiveness of using bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) for rehabilitating steel structures [1][2][6][7][8].…”

“…The damage to the beam was induced by removing (corrosion) or cutting (crack) part of the tension flange. Zhao and Zhang [8] and Kamruzzaman et al [2] mentioned that these simulated defects should closely replicate the actual damage in the structure.…”