Torsional strengthening of steel I beams with different GFRP configurations

Abstract

The contribution of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) to the torsional behaviour of steel I beams was investigated by experimental and numerical studies. In the experimental study, the torsional effect was applied to the IPN 80 profile with a three-point bending head and spreader beam. Profiles were strengthened with three different GFRP configurations using roughened and non-roughened surfaces. Finite element (FE) models of all configurations were developed with commercial code ABAQUS. Different surfaces and GFRP configurations’ behaviour were compared both experimentally and numerically over torque and twist angle. Numerical studies have been expanded with the IPN400 beam parametric analyses. As a result of the study, it can be said that strengthening with diagonal GFRP strips and the increase in surface roughness contribute the most to torsional behaviour. © 2023 Institution of Structural Engineers