Cohesive delamination in steel elements strengthened with CFRP Plates

ABSTRACT

Double shear lap specimens and traditional H shaped steel beams (HEA 140) were reinforced by using CFRP strips and experimental tests were then performed. Numerical models were implemented to simulate the interface failure between CFRP and steel, which usually represents the weakest link of the reinforcement system. A cohesive approach was used to model debonding at the steel/adhesive interface; the plastic behavior of the steel elements was also taken into account. In particular, the results are discussed with respect to the maximum load carrying capacity, the interface failure behavior and the combination of cohesive fracture with steel plasticity.