Investigation of the performance of cracked steel members strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymers under impact loads

Steel structures such as bridges, off shore platforms, mining booms and buildings often become deficient because of ageing and damages caused by extreme events. Such structures are normally subjected to impact loads due to blast, wave actions, vehicle impact and mass falls. This research presents experimental and theoretical investigations on the effectiveness of the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymers in the rehabilitation of such structures subjected to impact loads. The results have proven the effectiveness of the proposed technology in restoring the strength of the damaged members.