Performance of CFRP strengthened lightsteel beams subjected to end bearing forces

The web crippling failure becomes critical at the loading points or supports of beams where concentrated bearing forces are applied. This paper presents the test results on CFRP stiffened LightSteel Beam (LSB) under end bearing loads. A series of laboratory tests were conducted. Three types of strengthening methods were used; applying CFRP plates on the outer side or inner side or both sides of the web. It was found that the CFRP strengthening significantly increases the web buckling capacity especially for those with large web depth-tothickness ratio. Simple models are proposed to predict the improved performance due to CFRP strengthening.