Performance of composite connections strengthened with CFRP laminate

Abstract

<p>A three-dimensional non-linear finite element model is developed to predict the moment-rotational response of partial depth endplate composite connections strengthened with external Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates. A parametric study is then performed to evaluate the influence of length, width and thickness of CFRP laminates on the composite connection performance. In addition, the feasibility of decreasing the reinforcement bar ratios in the presence of the CFRP laminate is investigated. The numerical analysis reveals that the flexural resistance of the retrofitted CFRP strengthened composite connection increases by up to around 20% and the rotation capacity decreases by approximately 60%. Also, the results indicate that applying CFRP laminate to the tension face of the composite slab can reduce the amount of rebar needed for the bending capacity of steel-concrete composite beam-to-column connections.</p>