Study on Calculation of Bearing Capacity of Axially Loaded CFRP-Strengthened Cold-Formed Thin-Walled Lipped Channel Steel Columns

With the development of carbon fiber reinforced composites and the continuous improvement of the properties of bonding agents, scholars recommended using carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) to enhance cold-formed thin-walled C-shaped steel structures. It can provide a fast and effective way to strengthen and repair damaged steel structures. However, discussion on the bearing capacity calculation of cold-formed thin-walled C-section steel column strengthened by CFRP was limited. Also, the relevant influencing factors (the number of CFRP reinforcement layers), the orientation of CFRP (horizontal, vertical), and the location of CFRP reinforcement (web + flanges + lips, web + flanges, web, and flanges) were overlooked in calculating the bearing capacity of cold-formed thin-walled C-section steel column strengthened by CFRP. Then, the calculation result of the load capacity will be inaccurate. This work, therefore, studied the effects of CFRP reinforcement layers, CFRP direction, and CFRP reinforcement position on the ultimate load of CFRP-strengthened cold-formed thin-walled C-section steel column. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of cold-formed thin-walled steel strengthened by CFRP was established to discuss the bearing capacity under axial compression. Furthermore, a method for calculating the bearing capacity of the CFRP-strengthened cold-formed thin-walled C-section steel column was proposed based on the direct strength methods (DSM). The results indicate that not only the slenderness ratio, section size, and length of members but also the number of CFRP reinforcement layers and orientation of CFRP have an impact on the calculation of bearing capacity. The equation modified in this work has excellent accuracy and adaptability. Predicting the bearing capacity of reinforced members is necessary to give full play to the performance of CFRP accurately. Thus, the methods proposed can provide a reference value for practical engineering.

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