FRP-Strengthened Metallic Structures

This book covers the behavior and design of fiber-reinforced polymer strengthened metallic structures based on existing international research. It outlines the applications, existing design guidance, and the special characteristics of FRP composites within the context of their use in the strengthening of metallic structures. It addresses the bond behavior between FRP and metal, and the strengthening of members, and then looks at bending, compression and concentrated forces, and the improvement of fatigue performance. It serves as a resource for engineers, researchers, and graduate students.

Repairing or strengthening failing metallic structures traditionally involves using bulky and heavy external steel plates that often pose their own problems. The plates are generally prone to corrosion and overall fatigue. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers, offers a great alternative for strengthening metallic structures, especially steel structures such as bridges, buildings, offshore platforms, pipelines, and crane structures.

FRP-Strengthened Metallic Structures explores the behaviour and design of these structures, from basic concepts to design recommendations. It covers bond behaviour between FRP and steel, and describes improvement of fatigue performance, bending, compression, and bearing forces, strengthening of compression and steel tubular members, strengthening for enhanced fatigue and seismic performance, and strengthening against web crippling of steel sections. It also provides examples of performance improvement by FRP strengthening.

• Summarizes worldwide research on the FRP strengthening of metallic structures

• Contains several topics not generally covered in existing texts

• Presents comprehensive, topical references throughout the book

The book outlines the applications, existing design guidance, and special characteristics of FRP composites within the context of their use in structural strengthening. While the major focus is on steel structures, it also describes others, such as aluminium structures. This book is suitable for structural engineers, researchers, and university students interested in the FRP strengthening technique.

Xiao-Ling Zhao is chair of structural engineering at Monash University, Australia, and is author of Concrete-Filled Tubular Members and Connections, also published by Taylor & Francis.