ABSTRACT
Abstract Six 6.1 m long specimens, each consisting of a W8 x 24 wide flange steel beam composite with a 0.114-m thick by 0.71-m wide reinforced concrete slab, were initially loaded past yield of the tension flange and subsequently strengthened using 3.66-m lengths of 2-mm or 5-mm thick carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates. The strengthened specimens were then tested to failure. Estimated increases in ultimate strength ranged from 11% to 50% with accompanying extension of the elastic region. This suggests that this technique is suitable for strengthening steel specimens. Keywords: steel, composite, carbon fiber, epoxy, repair, composites, experimental, ultimate, fasteners.
