Development of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer system for strengthening steel structures

This paper summarizes the development and use of high modulus carbon fiber reinforced polymer (HM CFRP) materials for the retrofit of steel structures and bridges. The development work included selection of an appropriate adhesive for bonding HM CFRP materials to steel and the performance of large-scale steel–concrete composite beams tested to examine the behavior using different strengthening schemes. The experimental program investigated the behavior of the strengthening system under fatigue and overloading conditions. A detailed study of bond behavior, including the possible presence of shear-lag effects and performance of spliced joints is also presented. Based on the findings, flexural design guidelines are proposed. The study indicates that CFRP materials can be effectively used to enhance the serviceability and ultimate strength of steel flexural members.