Experimental Investigation of FRP Strengthened Metal Tubular Members

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) offers a wide range of applications and is commonly used to reinforce metal structural elements. They are light in weight, structurally strong, carry heavy loads, and are more durable. Bond behavior and debonding qualities are the most difficult aspects of strengthening metal structural sections. One of the primary failure mechanisms in CFRP-strengthening of structures is debonding between CFRP and adhesive, as well as mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, according to previous study. The aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of bond behavior, web crippling behavior, and structural failure of strut column metal members. Different structural behaviors were investigated through a series of tests. In this study, a total number of 18 coupon specimens were taken to find out the bond behavior. As well as the End-Two-Flange (ETF) and Interior-Two-Flange (ITF) tests have been conducted by taking a total of 36 sections of metal members to find out the web crippling behavior. Furthermore, a number of 9 sections for each experiment have been tested under strut column compression load to find out the deformation and the structural failure of the specimen. Steel-adhesive interface debonding and CFRP delimitations are the failure modes obtained for CFRP strengthening. From different experimental studies, it is found that the FRP strengthened metal tubular members show better results in all structural investigations. This research emphasizes the relevance of bonding behavior, which is a key factor in the performance of FRP members made of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. From this study, it can be stated that the FRP composites can be applied to increase the load-carrying capacity of metal tubular members.