Repair of fatigue cracks in steel members by utilising prestressed CFRP patches

R. Emdad, R. Al-Mahaidi, X. L. Zhao

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

CFRP strengthening of steel structures has proved to be an effective method of repair of metallic structures. Under life time cyclic events cracks can initiate and propagate in metallic structures. In order to repair a fatigue induced crack, an effective repair configuration must be chosen. To meet this requirement, understanding the effect of different strengthening parameters on the crack propagation is required. CFRP strengthening has been used in this research to retard the crack growth in initially cracked steel plates. 6mm thick steel plates with two different initial notch lengths were chosen in this study. In order to add to the efficiency of the results, prestressing has been introduced to the CFRP patches. The prestressing load is applied by a hydraulic actuator prior to bonding the CFRP patch to the cracked steel plates. After preparation, the specimens were all tested under a constant amplitude fatigue load. Fatigue life and the crack propagation measurements is the main outcome of this research. This is while strain gauges were also attached to the specimens and the effect of CFRP type and prestress level are also measured. The results show that the CFRP thickness and modulus of elasticity are effective parameters on the enhancement of the fatigue life. Though, application of prestressed CFRP can significantly improve the fatigue life of the cracked members.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2016
EditorsJ.G. Dai, J.G. Teng
PublisherDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Pages1126-1133
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789881448026
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2016 - Hong Kong, China
Duration: 14 Dec 201616 Dec 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2016

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2016
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHong Kong
Period14/12/1616/12/16

Keywords

  • CFRP
  • Crack propagation
  • Fatigue
  • Prestressing
  • Steel
  • Strengthening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Polymers and Plastics

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