Study on bond characteristics of CFRP/steel double-lap shear joints at subzero temperature exposure

This paper addresses the effect of subzero environmental exposures on the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel plates. A series of tensile tests were conducted on CFRP/steel plates specimens joined together in double-lap shear joints and subjected to 20ºC, 0ºC, -20ºC, and -40ºC environmental exposures. Normal modulus (240 GPa) unidirectional carbon fibre plies were used in strengthening the epoxide matrix. The aim of the current experimental work is to determine the debonding strength, elongation development and lap-shear stress and slip variation under subzero exposures. This will help in establishing the feasibility of using CFRP in retrofitting steel structures at extremely cold environments.