Use of CFRP Overlays to Strengthen Welded Connections under Fatigue Loading
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 17, Issue 3
Abstract
This study evaluates the performance of various methods to prevent and repair fatigue damage in welded connections, a recurring problem that affects a significant number of steel bridges. Experimental tests and analytical simulations were carried out to investigate the fatigue performance of coverplate specimens in which the welded connections were reinforced with carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) overlays. Specimens were loaded in three-point bending induced by a cyclic load to evaluate the change in fatigue-crack initiation life of the welded connections caused by the attachment of the CFRP overlays. Test results showed that when bond between the CFRP overlays and the steel was maintained, the reduction in stress demand was sufficient to extend the fatigue life of the welded connections from AASHTO fatigue-design Category E’ in the unreinforced configuration to the infinite fatigue life range. Test results also showed that the fatigue strength of the bond layer was drastically improved by introducing breather-cloth material within the bond layer.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for support from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the University of Kansas Transportation Research Institute (KU TRI). The authors would also like to acknowledge support provided through Pooled Fund Study TPF-5(189), which includes the following participating state DOTs: Kansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as well as the Federal Highway Administration.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 17 • Issue 3 • May 2012
Pages: 420 - 431
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 4, 2010
Accepted: Feb 9, 2011
Published online: Jul 22, 2011
Published in print: May 1, 2012
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