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Use
of High Modulus Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) for
Strengthening Steel Structures |
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David
Schnerch, Kirk Stanford, Bryan Lanier, Mina Dawood, Emmett Sumner, and Sami Rizkalla
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Mitsubishi
Chemical FP America, Inc. |
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Abstract:
Cost-effective solutions for the rehabilitation and strengthening
of steel structures, such as steel bridges and steel monopole
towers used for cellular phone antennas, are greatly needed
by government transportation departments and industry. Rehabilitation
is often required due to loss of cross-section due to corrosion
and/or changes of the demand or use of a structure. Current
techniques for strengthening steel structures have several drawbacks
including requiring heavy equipment for installation, their
fatigue performance in addition to the need for ongoing maintenance
due to continued corrosion attack. The current research program
proposed the use of a new high modulus carbon fiber reinforced
polymer (CFRP) for strengthening of steel structures. This program,
currently in progress, includes extensive research to select
the resin for wet lay-up of carbon fiber sheets and the adhesives
for bonding of pre-cured laminate strips. Test results of the
first scaled monopole tower, tested at the Constructed Facilities
Laboratory at North Carolina State University, showed a 25%
increase in stiffness in the elastic range over the same monopole
before strengthening. This paper summarizes also the remaining
program, including the strengthening of other monopoles and
a steel-concrete composite girder to be strengthened using different
techniques. Experimental results for these tests will be reported
at the workshop presentation. |
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Last Updated:
August 1, 2005
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