Bond-slip models for double strap joints strengthened by CFRP

This paper presents the results of a series of tension tests on GRP bonded steel plate double strap joints. The main aim of this research is to provide detailed understanding of bond characteristics using experimental and numerical analysis of strengthened double strap joints under tension. A parametric study has been performed by numerical modelling with the variables of CFRP bond lengths, adhesive maximum strain and adhesive layer thicknesses. Finally, bond-slip models are proposed for three different types of adhesives within the range of the parametric study. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.