Adhesively bonded composite reinforcements for steel structures: Durability of the stress transfer

Nowadays, externally bonded composites are currently used for reinforced concrete structures repair or reinforcement. Such a technique allows increasing the service life of concrete bridges. In the case of steel bridges, applications of this technique are not significant. This may be due to the similarity of both materials rigidity, but also to the lack of confidence of structure owners in using structural adhesive bonding as assembly technique. In the scope of a research work led by the IFSTTAR (Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, de l’Aménagement et des Réseaux) interested in the repair of steel structures, we have investigated composite to steel bonded assemblies. This article presents some of the realized investigations. It first introduces the field of use of the technique and its advantages. Then, characterization of stress transfer through adhesive bonding is presented, and some accelerated ageing and pseudo-fatigue tests are described. Though more work is needed on the topic, obtained results allows considering the technique as suitable for steel structures.