Numerical analysis of static axial load bearing capacity enhancement in FRP strengthened tubular T-joints

The static load bearing capacity of tubular T-joints strengthened with FRP subjected to brace axial loading were investigated. The numerical analyses were performed using ABAQUS Finite Element software package. The reference joint was validated against the experimental results. Glass/Vinyl ester FRP material was used as the strengthening material in the analyses. Analyses were performed for a variety of FRP as well as joint geometrical parameters to give an insight into the effect of FRP strengthening on the static load bearing capacity of tubular T-joints. Results derived from analyses are promising and show that the FRP strengthening method could be considered as an effective method to enhance the static load bearing capacity of tubular T-joints.