Stress analysis of steel beams strengthened with a bonded hygrothermal aged composite plate

In this paper, the problem of interfacial stresses in steel beams strengthened with bonded hygrothermal aged composite laminates is analyzed using linear elastic theory. The analysis is based on the deformation compatibility approach developed by Tounsi (Int. J. Solids Struct. 43:4154–4174, 2006) where both the shear and normal stresses are assumed to be invariant across the adhesive layer thickness. The adopted model takes into account the adherend shear deformations by assuming a linear shear stress through the depth of the steel beam. This solution is intended for application to beams made of all kinds of materials bonded with a thin composite plate. For steel I-beam section, a geometrical coefficient ξ is determined to show the effect of the adherend shear deformations. This research is helpful for the understanding on mechanical behaviour of the interface and design of such structures.