STUDY ON STRENGTHENING OF STEEL GIRDER END USING CFRP MEMBERS FABRICATED BY VARTM TECHNIQUE

Abstract

 This study aims at the development of construction method using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) for repairing and reinforcing of steel structures with section loss by externally bonded CFRP. Recovery and improvement of load carrying capacity by CFRP members were investigated for the girder ends with section loss in steel plate girder bridges. In this study, experimental and analytical study was conducted on the effect of repair and strengthening by VaRTM technique. As a result of study, it was confirmed that installation of the CFRP member is effective on the tensile side of the web, and the optimum strenghtning mehod has been proposed by the appropriate arrangement of CF sheets.