Introducing Australia’s first hybrid testing facility for performance-based assessment of structures

Hybrid simulation is a cost-effective cyber-physical testing technique, in which computational models and physical components are integrated at run-time. This method can be viewed as conventional finite element analysis, where physical models of some portions of the structure are embedded in the numerical model. In such a way, the errors related to the simplification of the theoretical modeling of complex nonlinear structures or subassemblies can be effectively mitigated as they are tested physically in the lab. This paper introduces Australia’s first hybrid testing facility, referred to as the Multi-Axis Substructure Testing (MAST) system, which is capable of simulating the complex three-dimensional time-varying boundary effects on large-scale structural components. The MAST system is unique in Australasia and is capable to serve the research community and practice, nationally and internationally. An application of the MAST system to investigate the performance of a CFRP-repaired limited-ductile RC column under sequential ground motions from linear-elastic response range through collapse is also presented

Flexural Behavior of RC Beams Strengthened by NSM-CFRP Laminates or Bars

The strengthening and enhancing the structures represents an important aspect in the construction industry due to the growing need to increase the tolerability of origin to a specific level and within the required rehabilitation and maintenance work. This paper assessed the performance and effectiveness of the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) strengthening technique for the reinforced concrete beams. Three (140x260x2700 mm) reinforced concrete beams were strengthened in flexure with NSM strengthening systems using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips, bars, and cement-based adhesive as a binding materials. The flexural behaviour of the beams was evaluated by testing the specimens under three-point loading to failure. The structural performance, deflection, ductility, stiffness, and modes of failure of the tested beams are presented and discussed in this paper. The test results indicate that using NSM-CFRP strips and bars is practical and significantly improves the stiffness and increases the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete beams. The strength increments were 48, 42, and 15 percent recorded with CFRP bars, rough strips, and smooth strips respectively. The deflection of the strengthened beams was reduced by about 66, 48, and 58 percent for CFRP smooth strips, rough strips, and CFRP bars respectively, compared with the control beam due to the increased stiffness of the strengthened beams

Experimental and finite element analysis of a double strap joint between steel plates and normal modulus CFRP

Strengthening of steel structures using externally-bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymers ‘CFRP’ is a rapidly developing technique. This paper describes the behaviour of axially loaded flat steel plates strengthened using carbon fibre reinforced polymer sheets. Two steel plates were joined together with adhesive and followed by the application of carbon fibre sheet double strap joint with different bond lengths. The behaviour of the specimens was further investigated by using nonlinear finite element analysis to predict the failure modes and load capacity. In this study, bond failure is the dominant failure mode for normal modulus (240 GPa) CFRP bonding which closely matched the results of finite elements. The predicted ultimate loads from the FE analysis are found to be in good agreement with experimental values

Preliminary bond-slip model for CFRP sheets bonded to steel plates

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets have established a strong position as an effective method for innovative structural rehabilitation. However, the use of externally bonded CFRP in the repair and rehabilitation of steel structures is a relatively new technique that has the potential to improve the way structures are repaired. An important step toward understanding bond behaviour is to have an estimation of local bond stress versus slip relationship. The current study aims to establish the bond-slip model for CFRP sheets bonded to steel plate. To obtain the shear stress versus slippage relationship, a series of double strap tension type bond tests were conducted. This paper reports on the findings of the experimental studies. The strain and stress distributions measured in the specimens for two different bond lengths. The results show a preliminary bi-linear bond-slip model may be adopted for CFRP sheet bonded with steel plate

Investigation into the bond between CFRP and steel tubes

CFRP material has been widely used to strengthen concrete structures. There is an increasing trend of using CFRP in strengthening steel structures. The bond between steel and CFRP is a key issue. Relatively less work has been done on the bond between CFRP and a curved surface which is often found in tubular structures. This paper reports a study on the bond between CFRP and steel tubes. A series of tensile tests were conducted with different bond lengths and number of layers. The types of adhesive and specimen preparation methods varied in the testing program. High modulus CFRP was used. Tests were carried out to measure the modulus and tensile strength of CFRP. Strain gages were mounted on different layers of CFRP. The stress distributions across the layers of the CFRP were established. Models were developed to estimate the maximum load for a given CFRP arrangement

Double strap joint tests to determine the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel plates

Advanced composite materials offer remarkable potential in the upgrade of civil engineering structures. The evolution of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) technologies and their versatility for applications in civil constructions require comprehensive and reliable codes of practice. Guidelines are available on the rehabilitation and retrofit of concrete structures with advanced composite materials. However, there is a need to develop appropriate design guidelines for CFRP strengthened steel structures. It is important to understand the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel plates. This paper describes a series of double strap shear tests loaded in tension to investigate the bond between CFRP sheets and steel plates. Both normal modulus (240 GPa) and high modulus (640 GPa) CFRPs were used in the test program. Strain gauges were mounted to capture the strain distribution along the CFRP length. Different failure modes were observed for joints with normal modulus CFRP and those with high modulus CFRP. The strain distribution along the CFRP length is similar for the two cases. A shorter effective bond length was obtained for joints with high modulus CFRP whereas larger ultimate load carrying capacity can be achieved for joints with normal modulus CFRP when the bond length is long enough