Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of a CFRP Fatigue Strengthening for Stringer-Floor Beam Connections in a 19th Century Riveted Railway Bridge

A local and global finite element analysis of the stringer-floor beam connection a 19th century riveted railway bridge in Spain made puddle iron were performed to obtain maximum principal strains connecting angles corresponding bending moments from train loading on bridge. Due anisotropic nature iron, modelled using Hill plasticity potential parametric study FE model was performed. laboratory specimen fabricated with original stringers dismantled tested calibrate numerical models, so yield stress ratio that best fitted experimental results obtained. Based method constant fatigue-life diagram modified Goodman fatigue failure criterion, it detected prone crack initiation, as combination mean alternating amplitude at toe angle fillet remained outside infinite region. An innovative strengthening system based adhesively-bonded carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) designed prevent initiation connection. Different CFRP laminate layouts numerically evaluated proper configuration obtained reduced both shift region diagram. To validate effectiveness proposed method, its application second experimentally compared results. The research conducted showed use an effective reducing level (where cracks are initiate) consequently could increase life