EFFECT OF MECHANICAL ANCHORAGE IN HEAT TREATED BEAMS RETROFITTED WITH CFRP

Abstract
Aim: Locally deformed beams and girders could be temporarily repaired by heat treatment but this practice causes the decrease in the load capacity of the member. Besides, fiber reinforced polymer strips could be used to gain a permanent retrofitting solution for the deformed elements. Method: In this study initially the behavior of heat treated IPE-80 beam strengthened by Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips bonded with epoxy is observed. This practice causes a significant increase in the load capacity but it is also being observed that epoxy scatters earlier, which does not allow the CFRP to resist much more load. Scaled steel IPE80 beams are selected and they are subjected to three-point bending test. Load-deflection behavior is recorded for each test and conclusions are derived by comparing the results. Conclusion: Preliminary laboratory experiments on shell plates shows that using anchorage by employing bolt has better results compare to those observed by using anchorage made by CFRP fabric only. This study suggests implementation of anchorages through bolts or CFRP fabrics along with epoxy bonding to retrofit the heat treated elements.