- Start: 01/01/2010
- End: 31/12/2012
The basic concept of CO-PATCH project is the definition of an effective repair method for large steel structures with defects. Two basic steel structural types were dealt with in this work, namely marine structures and steel civil engineering structures. The basic objective of this project was to demonstrate that composite patch repairs can be environmentally stable and therefore, that they can be used as permanent repair measures. This objective was achieved by:
− Studying and demonstrating through theoretical analyses, numerical simulations and experimental testing that the use of fibre reinforced composite patch repairs leads to the reinforcement of a steel structural member, either by increasing its load carrying capacity or by reinstating its structural integrity.
− Determining, evaluating and quantifying the efficiency of composite patch reinforcements in the marine/bridge environment, in both short and long term through static and fatigue tests in both conventional and artificially aged specimens.
− Developing a generalized procedure for the design of composite patch reinforcements, leading to the selection of the proper surface preparation techniques, adhesives, reinforcing composite material, configuration (number of layers, stacking sequence), geometry of the reinforcement and quantifying the beneficial effect of the patch reinforcement on the static strength and on the fatigue life prolongation.
− Determining practically applicable, sensor based monitoring techniques of the final through-life structural integrity of the patch.
− Developing guidelines for the effective finite element modelling and application of composite patch reinforcements in steel marine and civil engineering infrastructure applications.
AIMEN have developed best practice design and application procedures in performing composite patch repairs. Finally AIMEN design, install and operate a system for monitoring the condition of a patch repair.
**This project has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 233969.
- Sectors: Public works, Shipbuilding
- Financing programme: 7TH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME FUNDED EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
- R&D&i: Coating technology, Integrated monitoring and control systems, Materials under extreme conditions, Thermoplastic composites
- Leader: National Technical University Of Athens
- Partners: AIMEN Centro Tecnológico, TWI, FRANCISCO CARDAMA, Cetena S.p.A., Bureau Veritas SA, AS2CON, ESTALEIROS NAVAIS DE PENICHE, S.A., HELLENIC REGISTER OF SHIPPING (HRS), METTLE SARL, NTNU, Shipbuilders and Shipreperairs Association (SSA), University of Surrey, Umoe Mandal AS
- Acronym: CO-PATCH
- Ambit: International
- Web: http://www.co-patch.com/
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