Numerical and experimental investigation of hollow steel columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer

In this research the hollow steel columns that strengthened with CFRP under axial compression has been investigated.Retrofit methods such as the use of steel plates increases the structural weight and in some cases using such method is difficult and impossible. This paper reports experimental and numerical modeling using ANSYS software. To determine the ultimate load of square hollow section (SHS) steel columns, seven samples of SHS steel columns with dimensions of 90 × 90 × 2.5 mm which were strengthened with CFRP and two control samples were tested. The results of numerical model was validated with experimental results. The results showed that, when the coverage of CFRP layers is not complete, CFRP has no effect on increase of the compressive axial load of SHS steel columns. In addition, the results showed that, the number, direction, and the coverage of CFRP layers can be effectively increase the pressure capacity of SHS steel columns.