This paper aims to study the impact of hollow steel beams reinforced by carbon fibers reinforced polymers (CFRP) applied in transversal
directions. Experimental and numerical investigations were carried out in this study. This study has focused on the impact of increase the number of
wrapping layers. Six specimens of rectangular hollow sectional (RHS) were included in the experimental study. Specimens were subjected to a four-
point bending test and divided into two groups according to the case of applied bending moment; the First group was subjected to bending moment
about the major axis while the second group was subjected to bending moments about the minor axis. The behavior and strength of specimens were
determined through the experimental tests. The numerical model was developed using a finite element program in order to predict the failure load of
tested beams. Results of the numerical model were verified with the corresponding results of the experimental test, and a good agreement was
observed. As per experimental results, transversal wrapping systems of CFRP can delay the buckling occurrence of strengthened steel beams. Hence, it
is capable of improving the strength and the deflection of strengthened beams. Also, increasing the number of CFRP wrapping layers in the
strengthening system, increase the improvements compared to strengthened beams with a single layer of CFRP. |
