Strengthening wrought-iron structures using CFRP

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the use of adhesively bonded carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites in reinforcing existing wrought iron structures. There has been concern that the laminar structure of the wrought iron would result in premature failure of the bonded reinforcement. The lap-shear and inter-laminar shear tests reported here show that adhesive strength, as in strengthening of steel or cast iron structures, will be the deciding factor in the reinforcement design. It is concluded that composite strengthening of wrought iron is technically satisfactory subject to certain precautions and methods for practical implementation are discussed.