Repair of notched steel beams using ultra-high modulus carbon fibre reinforced polymer

This study focuses on the repair of simulate fatigue damaged steel beams through the use of Ultra-High Modulus Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (UHMCFRP). The effectiveness of repair is studied through laboratory testing and numerical modelling.; It will cost a considerable amount of time and money to repair the 80,000 reportedly severely damaged steel bridges in America. Traditional methods of rehabilitation result in increased dead load of the structure and they remain vulnerable to corrosion and fatigue. Recently available UHMCFRP has begun to be investigated as a possible repair method for these structures.; Different degrees of fatigue damage were simulated on 1.0 m long W200X19 steel sections by cutting a notch in the tension flange. Specimens were repaired by adhering UHMCFRP to the tension flange. It was discovered through this testing series, that UHMCFRP has the ability to significantly restore structural capacity and stiffness to a severely damaged steel section.; Through the numerical modelling of these specimens, it was also discovered that there is a great deal to be learned regarding the mechanical behaviour of steel beams repaired with UHMCFRP. A greater understanding of the effect of bond length and peeling stress is required in order to prevent premature debonding. The development of a finite element model is suggested.