Effect of adhesive thickness on the interfacial stresses in steel-FRP lap-joints under freeze-thaw cycling

A theoretical model is presented in this paper, which highlights the influence of uncertainties in the thickness profile of the adhesive on the interfacial stresses in steel-FRP lap joints subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and mechanical loading. The model accounts for the effect of moisture swelling, thermal expansion, and change in material properties due to freeze-thaw exposure. The model also accounts for the high order deformability of the adhesive layer in shear and through its thickness and allows for quantitative evaluation of the edge and interfacial shear and peeling stresses. Different potential profiles of the adhesive are examined, and the results are presented in terms of distribution of the internal interfacial stresses in the adhesive layer.