Abstract
In this paper, the effects of lateral bracing and web stiffeners on the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) failure modes and buckling strength of the CFRP strengthened wide-flange steel I-beams are investigated experimentally. The study consisted of eight beams tested under static gradual load until failure. The main test variables were steel plate stiffeners, lateral bracings, and bonding of CFRP plates to beam soffits. The results showed that the use of steel plate stiffeners did not only prevent stress concentration below the point load, but it could also help to delay debonding of the externally bonded CFRP plate. The use of lateral bracing indicated a significant effect in preventing the CFRP splitting failure mode. In addition, the use of stiffeners with lateral bracing simultaneously, showed improvement in the in-plane flexural strength, stiffness and ductility of the CFRP strengthened I-beams.
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