Effectiveness of using a carbon nanotube-reinforced adhesive in steel beams strengthened with composite materials

This work examines the effectiveness of a carbon nanotube-reinforced adhesive used in retrofitting steel beams strengthened with composite materials. The method includes applying an adhesive to the soffit of the beam, crucial for transferring tensile forces from the bonded plate to the original beam through interfacial shear and normal stresses. A key innovation is the use of the nanotube-reinforced adhesive to prevent debonding failures that can occur at the plate ends due to increased shear and normal stresses. This technique has reduced shear stresses at the ends of composite plates by approximately 50%. The enhancements not only improve beam performance but also increase their durability. Additionally, the document recommends using composite plates with a variable cross-section—specifically thinner at the ends—to effectively mitigate shear stress concentrations at the edges. The approach yields significant economic benefits, establishing it as a viable solution for beam retrofitting, combining technological innovation with cost-effectiveness, thus positioning this method favorably for engineering applications.