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Strengthening
Steel Structures and Bridges with High Modulus Carbon Fiber
Reinforced Polymers: Resin Selection and Scaled Monopole Behavior
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David
Schnerch, Kirk Stanford, Emmett A. Sumner, and Sami Rizkalla
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Mitsubishi
Chemical FP America |
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Abstract:
Cost-effective solutions for the rehabilitation and strengthening
of steel structures, including bridges and monopole towers,
are greatly needed. Rehabilitation is often required due to
cross-section losses occurring due to corrosion and strengthening
may also be required due to changes in the use of a structure.
Current techniques for strengthening steel structures have several
drawbacks including their fatigue performance and the need for
ongoing maintenance due to continued corrosion attack. The current
research program makes use of a high modulus carbon fiber for
strengthening of steel structures. This program, currently in
progress, includes phases for the resin and adhesive selection
for wet lay-up of carbon fiber sheets and bonding of pre-cured
laminate plates. Test results of the first scaled monopole tower
showed a 25% increase in stiffness in the elastic range over
the same monopole before strengthening. |
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Last Updated:
August 1, 2005
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