Debonding failures in CFRP-strengthened steel structures

Strengthening of steel structures by bonding carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates (or laminates) has attracted much recent research attention. Debonding of the CFRP plate from the steel substrate is one of the main failure modes of CFRP-strengthened steel structures. This paper presents a summary of recent research conducted at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aimed at the development of a good understanding of the mechanisms of and reliable theoretical models for debonding failures in CFRP-strengthened steel structures. Topics covered by this paper include steel surface preparation for reliable adhesive bonding, bond behavior between CFRP and steel, and finite element modeling of debonding failures in CFRP-strengthened steel beams and CFRP-strengthened rectangular steel tubes subjected to an end bearing load.