Strengthening of steel–concrete composite girders using carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates

Strengthening and rehabilitation of structures is a major concern for researchers in the civil engineering community in recent years due to the aging of these structures and the need for effective methods of strengthening. This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the behavior of strengthened steel–concrete composite girders using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) plates. Strengthening was achieved by attaching the CFRP plates to the bottom flange and in some beams the CFRP plates were also attached to the beam web. Two different types of CFRP plates were used being mainly different in the tensile modulus of elasticity. Shear stress distribution along the bond line between CFRP plates and steel was recorded and reported. The test results showed that using lightweight CFRP plates could enhance the strength and stiffness of steel–concrete composite girders up to 45% of the original strength.