Fatigue Reinforcement of Steel Elements by CFRP Materials: Experimental Evidence, Analytical Model and Numerical Simulation

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites have been proven to be effective in extending the fatigue life of cracked steel members. Fatigue tests were executed on cracked steel plates (single edge specimen) reinforced by strips bonded to a single side. Different patch configurations, reinforcement thicknesses and initial damage levels were investigated. CFRP materials bonded around the tip area extend the fatigue life of the damaged steel elements. The stress intensity factor of the reinforced elements was evaluated through FEM. Finally the fatigue crack propagation curves were evaluated by integration of the Paris law and compared to the experimental data.