Investigation of the Performance of CFRP and GFRP Wraps on Improving the Nonlinear Static Behavior of Tubular X-Joints

Tubular structures are made of hollow steel members with circular cross-sections and connecting them is one of the major challenges in their design. So far, some techniques to improve the performance of tubular connections have been proposed. Most of these methods can only be used for structures during the fabrication, but there are only a few techniques that can be applied during both fabrication and operation. Due to the successful experience of using composite materials for the repair and retrofitting of structures, special attention has now been paid to examining the efficacy of these materials in offshore structures.In this research, the effect of CFRP and GFRP wraps on the ultimate strength and deformation of tubular X-joints under compressive load is investigated. For this purpose, the results of the finite element (FE) models were validated with several available experimental tests. After that, the nonlinear static behavior of tubular X-joints strengthened with FRP was studied. In these FE models, the contact between the FRP layers and the steel members (chord, weld, and braces) was considered. Also, the weld profile in the brace/chord intersection was modeled.