Strengthening of steel beams with CFRP laminates (Progress report) Aims The aim of this project is to investigate the

effectiveness of strengthening of steel beams using externally bonded FRP materials. Objectives To achieve this aim, the following objectives there will be achieved: Overview of state of FRP for steel structures. To conduct experimental test on three steel beams. To investigate the effect of temperatures on generating stresses in FRP. To analyse and compare results with other authors.

Progress until the moment Literature Review What are FRP materials? Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) material combine high strength, highmodules fibres with a low- modulus polymeric matrix material. The result is a high-strength, high stiffness composite in which the matrix material ensures load transfer between the fibre. Fibres can be of glass, aramid or carbon. A wide range of FRP composites can be produced by choosing appropriate fibres and matrix materials, and by selecting the arrangement of fibres within the composite. In this way the properties of FRP materials can be tailored to suit a particular application. These consist of a fibre in a polymer-based matrix (Harris B. and Ibell T. 2002). There are different types of FRP which are: CFRP ( Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) GFRP ( Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) BFRP ( Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer) AFRP ( Aramid Fibre Reinforced Polymer)

Properties CFRP Very high modulus of elasticity exceeding that of steel; High tensile strength, which may reach (7 GPa); Low density: 114 lb/ft (1800 kg/m); High chemical inertness. The main disadvantage of carbon (Graphite) fibers is catastrophic mode of failure (carbon fibers are brittle)

Civil Engineering Applications Carbon fiber reinforced polymer-[CFRP] has over the past two decades become an increasingly notable material used in structural engineering applications. The extraordinary properties of FRP composites of lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, very high modules elasticity-to weight ratio, high fatigue strength, good corrosion resistance, very low coefficient of thermal expansion and high specific attributes enable them to be used in areas where the conventional construction materials might be restricted, (L.C. Holloway and J.G. Teng 2008). Experimental Test I will conduct an experimental test on three steel beams with CFRP laminates. First of all, I produced three steel beams which I sent to reduce the bottom flange by 5mm. in order to make sure that the beams fail by the bottom flange. With the help of Mr. Collins (Assistant Technical Officer) I will distribute 7stress gauges, 5 deflection gauges and 4 bases DEMEC gauges. The test will consist in subjecting the beams to four points bending. One beam will be tested unstrengthened, the second one will be tested with a layer of FRP material over one side of the bottom flange ( as shown in Figure 1) and the third sample will be tested with CFRP laminates over the two sides of the bottom flange Once I test the beams I will analyse the result to compare with other authors and support this study. Figure 1 First sample
5.5 50 4 3

Reduction of the bottom flange

Second sample

Third sample

I will expect an increase in the ultimate load in the two strengthened beams and then I will carry out other experiment to analyse the effect of the temperatures on generating stresses on CFRP laminates and steel beams. Load/ Deflection
x1 y1 y2 y3 Unstrengthening Strengthening 2 deflection load 1

Stress due to temperature

C 20 30 10 Stress

Materials ordered Three steel beams Gauges 7 strain gauges 5 deflection gauges 4 DEMEC gauges CFRP laminates

Equipment tested Four point testing rig

Problems I have been provided with all the materials which I need, therefore the main help I need it will be assistance in the laboratory in order to place the gauges, test the samples and analyse the results.

References Harris B. and Ibell T., (2002), Fibre-reinforced polymer material in construction, London: CIRIA. L.C. Holloway and J.G. Teng (2008), Strengthening and rehabilitation of civil infrastructures using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, USA: Woodhead Publishing Limited. S. M. Halliwel and T. Reynols (2004), Effective use of fibre-reinforced polymer material in construction, London: BRE bookshop.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced, Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich (2011), <http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.php? id=carbon_fiber_reinforced_polymer_composites> [ Accessed 1st July 2011].

By:

Francisco Gomez Leal

KU 1054035