Revista de estructuras y construcción de acero

Numerical Assessment of CFRP Retrofit Effect for Repairing Corroded Steel Girder Ends by Local Stress and Displacement Distribution

Abstract

Rusandi Noor* and Hiroshi Tamura

Background: Post-retrofit inspection of steel bridges can be particularly challenging due to the lack of visual accessibility by the inspector. This study numerically investigated the repair and reinforcement behavior using CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) for corroded steel girder ends, consisting of 3 configurations bracing a simple span steel bridge. Stress transformation studies are conducted so that the steel girder ends stresses due to various types of loading can be predicted. The CFRP retrofit model was validated to evaluate the representation of CFRP in the existing system. The validated corroded girder model showed high-stress values under the design loads. The result has been studied based on a computational model to gain the shape of the stress distribution of CFRP to capture the response in different loading types. The contribution of the 50 mm curve shapes of reinforcement member parts significantly affects the compressive stress distribution shape and out-of-plane displacement of the steel corroded part. Being able to simulate or predict these stresses characteristics based on actual conditions will support the need for field measurement of stresses.