CFRP strengthened RHS subjected to transverse end bearing force

This paper reports the improved web crippling behaviour of RHS (rectangular hollow section) strengthened by CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer). Several types of strengthening were adopted, such as wrapping CFRP sheeting outside the RHS or applying CFRP plates outside or/and inside the RHS. It was found that the CFRP strengthening significantly increases the web crippling capacity especially for those with large web depth-to-thickness ratio. Design models are proposed to predict the increased capacity for CFRP strengthened RHS subjected to transverse end bearing force.