Effectiveness of CFRP composites on compression flange of structural I-beam
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 1 May 2019
Issue publication date: 5 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to strengthen the compression flange of structural I-beam so as to avoid local failure of compression flange and to take a load to its full capacity. Light weight beam (LB) 100 at 5.1 kg/m and LB 115 at 8.1 kg/m are used for this purpose. The compression flange of a beam is well prepared to ensure a rust-free surface so as to achieve proper bonding between the flange and fiber sheet to avoid de-bonding at the time of testing. A flange of the beam is strengthened using CFRP sheets applied to it with the help of adhesive. The beam with CFRP is cured in air for 48 h before testing. Experiments are performed in a loading frame of 100 T capacity. Results show that the load carrying capacity of the strengthened beam increased by 25-30 per cent compared to the control beam (non-strengthened), and the local failure of the compression flange due to the applied load is totally avoided. The elastic behavior of the strengthened beam is also increased compared to the non-strengthened beam, which gives a higher yield point.
Design/methodology/approach
Different methods exist for strengthening various structures. Use of CFRP appears to be an excellent solution. Vast research has been conducted on the use of CFRP for strengthening and retrofitting of steel structures. The load carrying capacities of steel beams can be increased by strengthening their compression flange by using CFRP and avoiding the local failure of beams at early stages.
Findings
The load carrying capacity of a beam strengthened with CFRP increased by 25-30 per cent compared to the non-strengthened beam. In addition, the elastic behavior of the strengthened beam is also improved.
Originality/value
The compression flange of the steel beam is strengthened using different layers of CFRP strips to avoid the local failure, and its deflection is observed using linear variable deformation transducer.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors highly acknowledge that the present work was supported by the Technical Education Quality Improvement Program cell of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Maharashtra. The authors also wish to acknowledge the Civil Engineering Department of RIT Sakharale, Maharashtra, for their assistance in conducting the experimental work.
Citation
Jagtap, P.R. and Pore, S.M. (2019), "Effectiveness of CFRP composites on compression flange of structural I-beam", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 782-792. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2018-0155
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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