Ultimate strength of a cracked stiffened panel repaired by CFRP and stop holes

An analysis of the ultimate strength of a cracked stiffened panel repaired by carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) under axial compression is presented. The analysis method adopts the nonlinear mechanics of adhesives in the interaction of CFRP with the steel structure. The numerical model is validated by tests of cracked plates repaired by CFRP. The collapse of the cracked stiffened panel repaired by CFRP revealed that the debonding of CFRP happens after buckling. The CFRP repair can recover the ultimate strength of the cracked structure to the one of the intact panel. A series of analysis is performed with the validated numerical model to investigate the effects of geometry, configuration of CFRP and crack length on the ultimate strength. Crack treatment with stop holes is also studied, and the results show that the repair of the CFRP can recover the ultimate strength of the cracked stiffened panel with the occurrence of the stop holes, at the same time as it may reduce the stress levels significantly.

Automated summary

This study presents an analysis of the ultimate strength of a cracked stiffened panel repaired by CFRP under axial compression, utilizing nonlinear mechanics of adhesives. The validated numerical model is used to investigate the effects of geometry, CFRP configuration, and crack length on the ultimate strength. Additionally, the study examines crack treatment with stop holes and shows that CFRP repair can recover the ultimate strength of cracked panels while reducing stress levels.