SCF distribution in FRP-strengthened tubular T-joints under brace axial loading

Abstract

The present article is dedicated to the study of the effects of different parameters of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), as strengthening material, on a tubular Tjoint subjected to brace axial loading using Finite Element (FE) analyses. The effectiveness of FRP materials in enhancing the fatigue life of tubular T-joints was investigated through computing the ratio of the Stress Concentration Factors (SCFs). FRP parameters considered here include fiber orientation, FRP thickness, effective wrapping length, and FRP material properties. The FRP materials were modeled and applied to a basic numerical FE model, which was validated in the past against well-known experimental results on weld-toe SCFs. Promising results were derived from the analyses, showing that the FRP strengthening method can effectively decrease the SCF values for tubular T-joints.