Flexural behavior of Post-fire wide-flanged Steel Beam strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates.

Abstract

In this research, the strengthening of steel beams subjected to elevated temperatures, which reduce their loadbearing capacity, was investigated. Structural strengthening is a significant issue currently faced by engineers, with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) becoming popular for strengthening applications due to its advantageous properties, such as high strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. The study tested externally strengthened steel beams using fiber-reinforced polymer sheets under different heating conditions, specifically at room temperature and 900°C. A total of six specimens were tested, consisting of two unstrengthened control beams, two strengthened beams, and two strengthened beams with a central notch. The experimental results showed that strengthening with fiber-reinforced polymer sheets significantly improved the loadbearing capacity, durability, and performance of the beams, even under high-temperature conditions. These findings demonstrate the advantages of using CFRP materials for strengthening steel beams in environments exposed to elevated temperatures, highlighting potential applications in designing and enhancing steel structures subjected to substantial temperature variations.