Method for Reducing Warping Stresses in Torsionally Loaded I-Section Members using CFRP Plates

This paper presents a method for reducing warping normal stresses in torsionally loaded I-section members by utilizing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates. The CFRP plates are bonded to the outer surfaces of the flanges with a view to reducing warping normal stresses. The maximum warping normal stress in the flanges of a steel I-shaped member without the CFRP plates is compared to those obtained with the CFRP plates having various thicknesses. It has been found that the use of CFRP plates bonded to both flanges of the I-section result in a substantial reduction of the warping stresses. For the study presented, the maximum warping normal stress without CFRP plates drops down to merely one-third of its value when 0.625-in. thick CFRP plates are mounted on the outer surfaces of the I-section flanges.