Strengthening of deficient steel SHS columns under axial compressive loads using CFRP

Numerous problems have always vexed engineers with buckling, corrosion, bending, and over-loading in damaged steel structures. The present study aims to study the possible effects of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for strengthening deficient Steel Square Hollow Section (SHS) columns. To this end, the effects of axial loading, stiffness values, axial displacement, the shape of deficient on the length of steel SHS columns were evaluated based on a detailed parametric study. Ten specimens were tested to failure under axial compression in laboratory and simulated by using Finite Element (FE) analysis based on numerical approach. The results indicated that the application of CFRP sheets resulted in reducing stress in the damage location and preventing or retarding local deformation around the deficiency location appropriately. In addition, the retrofitting method could increase loading the carrying capacity of specimens.