Numerical Investigation of FRP-Strengthened CHS Columns

Abstract

The use of external CFRP jacket is examined as a retrofitting technique that improves the ductility and the load carrying capacity of the steel tube. The study focuses on the interaction between the steel and the jacket, which is treated as a contact problem. The contact conditions in the steel-CFRP interface are represented by interface laws. Finite element modeling is used to simulate the physical problem and the results of the numerical analysis are presented and discussed. CFRP-jacket is proved to be an effective strengthening method for hollow steel columns.