CFRP shear strengthening system for steel bridge girders

This paper presents an investigation undertaken to study the effectiveness of using small-diameter CFRP strands for shear strengthening of steel bridge girders. The study includes a comprehensive experimental program to study effects of the CFRP reinforcement ratio and orientation of the strands. An analytical model, calibrated by the experimental tests, was used to provide design recommendation. Results of the study showed that the proposed strengthening system is effective in increasing the shear capacity of steel bridge girders and there was no sign of CFRP debonding or rupture failure commonly observed by CFRP laminates up to approximately 80% of the steel yield stress.