Reinforcement of damaged steel beams using flax fiber reinforced polymer patches
Topic(s) : Material and Structural Behavior - Simulation & Testing
Co-authors :
Mohamed Amine TAZI (FRANCE), Mouad JEBLI (FRANCE), Sofia TEIXEIRA DE FREITAS (NETHERLANDS), Pascal CASARI (FRANCE), Silvio DE BARROSAbstract :
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials have emerged as an ideal solution for strengthening and repairing existing infrastructure, and are increasingly employed to extend the lifespan of metallic structures. FRPs, bonded to the external surface of an existing metallic structure, can be used to provide an increase in strength and stiffness, replace material loss caused by damage or corrosion, extend the fatigue life, or allow a change in the structure's use [1].
The initial development of FRP strengthening techniques in civil engineering focused on concrete structures, and the extension of the technique to metallic structures has been more recent. The first use of FRP materials for structural strengthening of metallic structures is believed to have taken place in 1991 [2].
Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) are mostly used for this kind of repair technique [3], but multiple researchers have highlighted the negative environmental impact of synthetic composite materials and their non-degradability. The use of eco-friendly composite materials is challenging but can majorly help overcome the ecological concerns. Flax fibers show great potential as a reinforcement material alternative, and more research is needed to encourage the development and industrial implementation of bio-based resins and adhesives [4].
In this work, a bio-based polyurethane matrix reinforced with flax fibers is proposed as material for the patches. Adhesion tests were performed experimentally as well as numerically to assess the mechanical behavior of the patches.
The initial development of FRP strengthening techniques in civil engineering focused on concrete structures, and the extension of the technique to metallic structures has been more recent. The first use of FRP materials for structural strengthening of metallic structures is believed to have taken place in 1991 [2].
Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) are mostly used for this kind of repair technique [3], but multiple researchers have highlighted the negative environmental impact of synthetic composite materials and their non-degradability. The use of eco-friendly composite materials is challenging but can majorly help overcome the ecological concerns. Flax fibers show great potential as a reinforcement material alternative, and more research is needed to encourage the development and industrial implementation of bio-based resins and adhesives [4].
In this work, a bio-based polyurethane matrix reinforced with flax fibers is proposed as material for the patches. Adhesion tests were performed experimentally as well as numerically to assess the mechanical behavior of the patches.