Investigating the properties of steel shear walls reinforced with Carbon Fiber Polymers (CFRP)

In this study, nonlinear behavior of steel shear walls (SSW) and composite steel shear wall reinforced with carbon fibers (CSSW) was investigated. Experimental and numerical studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of fiber content/angle and panel width on the properties of these walls. Results showed that wider panel widths enhance the behavior of both the SSW and CSSW. Higher fiber contents increase energy absorption, stiffness, over-strength and capacity, but decrease ductility values. It was concluded that fiber polymer has a more dominant effect on thin SSWs. The effect of fiber angle on the behavior of the CSSW was also studied and a few equations, relating fiber angle to properties, were suggested. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.