Composite patch repair of damaged tubular members from flare boom structures subjected to compressive loads

Abstract Conventional repair method for steel structures requires cutting and welding processes, which in offshore platforms may impose several disadvantages. Composite material repair has become an alternative for the rehabilitation of damaged structures and has been widely applied in other industries. In this work a numerical-experimental investigation evidences the effectiveness of the composite patch repair for flare boom corroded tubular elements subjected to axial compressive loads. A finite element model developed to determine the minimum composite laminate thickness that recovers the structural element strength is validated through numerical simulations. Twelve API 5L grade B reduced scale steel tubes with central perforations and similar longitudinal and transverse slenderness, respectively defined by length to radius of gyration of the cross-section area and diameter to thickness ratios, are tested covering the range of interest for full scale members. The composite material consists of a hybrid fabric made of carbon and glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin. Severe localized corrosion is considered conservatively, idealized as a circular perforation in half the element length. In many cases the maximum load of the repaired tube even exceeded the intact tube capacity. Moreover, it is shown that sufficient load capacity recovery is achieved for the conditions assumed.