Web buckling of lightsteel beams strengthened with CFRP subjected to end-bearing forces

The web-crippling failure becomes critical at the loading points or supports of beams where concentrated bearing forces are applied. This paper presents the test results on CFRP-stiffened lightsteel beam (LSB) under end-bearing loads. A series of laboratory tests were conducted. Three types of strengthening methods were used; applying CFRP plates on the outer side or inner side or both sides of the web. It was found that the CFRP strengthening significantly increases the web-buckling capacity especially for those with large web depth-to-thickness ratio. Simple models are proposed to predict the improved performance due to CFRP strengthening.