Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
285095 Journal of Constructional Steel Research 2012 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

Over the past two decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have gradually gained wide acceptance in civil engineering applications due to their unique advantages including their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. In particular, many possibilities of using FRP in the strengthening and construction of concrete structures have been explored. More recently, the use of FRP to strengthen existing steel structures has received much attention. This paper starts with a critical discussion of the use of FRP in the strengthening of steel structures where the advantages of FRP are appropriately exploited. The paper then provides a critical review and interpretation of existing research on FRP-strengthened steel structures. Topics covered by the review include steel surface preparation for adhesive bonding, selection of a suitable adhesive, bond behavior between FRP and steel and its appropriate modeling, flexural strengthening of steel beams, fatigue strengthening of steel structures, strengthening of thin-walled steel structures against local buckling, and strengthening of hollow or concrete-filled steel tubes through external FRP confinement. The paper concludes with comments on future research needs.

► The advantages of FRP composites in strengthening steel structures are highlighted. ► Existing research on the FRP strengthening of steel structures is reviewed. ► Future research needs in the strengthening of steel structures are summarized.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Engineering Civil and Structural Engineering
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