Strengthening of CFRP Bolted Joints Using C and R Steered Reinforcing Layers

Abstract

A novelreinforcementmethod for carbon fiberreinforced plastic(CFRP)bolted joints is proposed considering the cylindrical stress fields around bolt holes. The C and R layers are circularly and radially steered reinforcing layers in the directions of the maximum tensile and maximum compressive stresses, respectively. The effects of the C and R layers on the bearing strength ofCFRP bolted jointswere investigated byconducting double lap shear tests.The tests showedthat theC layerwaseffectiveatpreventing theshear-outfailureandincreasing thebearing strength of joints during the ultimate stage of failure.Bycontrast, the R layer was effective at increasing the bearing strength of joints during the initial and ultimate stages of failure. The reinforcement mechanisms were also studied according to the local stress fields around the bolt joints.