Bond Behavior of CFRP Strengthened Steel Structures

Recent research has focused on rehabilitation and strengthening of steel structures and bridges using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. The bond behavior of FRP materials to steel structures is quite different from that of concrete structures. Preliminary test results showed the occurrence of very high bond stresses for most strengthening applications due to the amount of strengthening required for steel structures and bridges. In this paper, surface preparation methods and means of preventing galvanic corrosion are discussed. The results of an experimental program for selection of suitable adhesives through determination of the development length is discussed as well as preliminary testing showing the importance of proper detailing of the ends of the FRP strips. The shear stress distribution determined in the experimental program is compared to analytical models using a stress-based approach. The remainder of the paper focuses on the current methods for determining bond stresses and their use for the design of FRP strengthening system for steel structures.