A comparison between CFRP, GFRP and AFRP luminates in steel beam performance using finite element approach

One of the most difficult challenges structural engineers face today is reinforcing and upgrading aging steel structures erected over the previous few decades. The goal of this research is to use the finite element program, ABAQUS, to measure the strength of steel beams retrofitted with Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) laminates. The finite element approach was utilized to initially validated results of the four modeled beams by comparing it to an experimental study published in the literature. A parametric design research, comprising 72 new models, was also conducted to establish the most effective characteristics, such as FRP type, location, length, and thickness. The comparison between numerical and experimental demonstrates that the ABAQUS finite element program can simulate and forecast the real deformation behavior of steel beams. Results shows that increasing FRP length and thickness improves the load-bearing capabilities of steel beams. Steel beams have the maximum load bearing capacity when FRP is placed in both web and flange, followed by flange only and web only. Beams retrofitted with FRP laminate materials behaved differently. CFRP reinforced beams have a better load bearing capability than GFRP and AFRP, and their final deflection is generally unaffected by FRP materials. This work offers valuable recommendations for future research on using FRP composites to reinforce steel beams