This paper presents the numerical study to simulate the fatigue crack growth of artificially damaged
steel Broad Flange I- beams section by single edge notched repaired with carbon fiber reinforced
polymer CFRP strips. The study is carried out using ANSYS classic modeling approach is
suggested to simulate the fatigue response of the beams, based on the cumulative damage theory
and strain life method. Experimental test results were compared with FE results obtained. A
parametric study was conducted using the validated model. The considered parameters were the
number of CFRP strip layers used in the repair, the applied load range, initial crack length at time of
strengthening and the thickness of CFRP strip. The numerical results indicated that the CFRP
increased the critical crack length at which fracture occurred, and the strengthening was more
effective at lower stress ranges. Moreover, the CFRP Strips can substantially delay failure and the
results demonstrate the possibility of technique and highlight the importance of early intervention
when repairing fatigue critical details. The ultimate load and ductility decreased substantially with
increasing initial crack length at the time of installing the strengthening layer. Furthermore,
increased capacity was achieved by increase the CFRP thickness and layers. |
