Finite-Element Analysis on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Plates Reinforcement for the Rigid Joints of Steel Structures

The method of CFRP plate reinforcement for the rigid joints with complete welding was studied using finite-element analysis. Three models were adopted in analyzed software ANSYS and they are Solid45, Combin14 and Shell181, which used to simulate steel, glue and CFRP plate respectively. The results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of rigid joints improves significantly after using CFRP reinforcement for joints. And the results also show that the level of improvement is relative to the length, width and thickness of CFRP plates.