No abstract

Recent research has focused on strengthening steel structures using FRP materials. The bond behavior of steel structures strengthened with FRP materials is different than that of concrete structures. Additionally, very high bond stresses are likely to occur for most strengthening applications due to the amount of strengthening required for steel structures. In this paper, surface preparation methods and means of preventing galvanic corrosion are discussed as well as current methods for determining bond stresses and their use for design. These methods are compared to experimental results, showing good agreement, and the direction of future work in this area is proposed.

No abstract

Due to corrosion and the continuous demand to increase traffic loads, there is a need for an effective system which can be used to repair and/or strengthen steel bridges and structures.

Cost-effective solutions for the rehabilitation and strengthening of steel structures, including bridges and monopole towers, are greatly needed. Rehabilitation is often required because of cross-section losses occurring as a result of corrosion; strengthening may also be required because of changes in the use of a structure. Current techniques for strengthening steel structures have several drawbacks, including their fatigue performance and the need for ongoing maintenance owing to continued corrosion attack. The current research program makes use of a high-modulus carbon fiber for the strengthening of steel structures. This program, currently in progress, includes phases for the resin and adhesive selection for wet layup of carbon fiber sheets and bonding of precured laminate plates. Test results of the first scaled monopole tower showed a 25% increase in stiffness in the elastic range compared with the same monopole before strengthening.