Investigation of an Effective Anchoring Length of CFRP Tapes Used to Strengthen Steel Thin-Walled Beams with a Rectangular Cross-Section Subjected to Four-Point Bending

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper experimentally and numerically (by FE model) studied four-point bending tests, which ten thin-walled steel beams made of a rectangular section were tested. They investigated the load and deformation. The novelty is good. But, the revision is necessary.

1) Please add a notation list.

2) Fig. 7b needs more discussion in the text.

3) please increase the quality of Fig. 6.

3) In order to provide a more comprehensive literature review, the authors should cite and discuss the following relevant papers in their revised manuscript:

- Static capacity of tubular X-joints reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer subjected to compressive load. Engineering Structures. 2021 Jun 1;236:112041.

- Local joint flexibility of tubular T/Y-joints retrofitted with GFRP under in-plane bending moment. Marine Structures, 2021;77, p.102936.

4)  Please add the sensitive analyze on the mesh size in FE modeling.

5) Why is just one type of CFRP (one material of CFRP) used? How can CFRP with other E be used in industry?

6) in Fig. 19, was the contact between the members modeled?

7) please explain that which one of FRP length or layer number has more effect?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The article numerically and experimentally investigated the influence of effective anchoring length of CFRP tapes on the bending resistance of steel thin-walled beams with rectangular cross-section. The results have a certain scientific significance and engineering value.

1. The anchoring length of the composite tape and the effective anchoring length/effective anchorage length should be described in a/one picture or drawing.

2. The differences between the anchoring length of the composite tape and the effective anchoring length/effective anchorage length should be clarified.

3. Scale bars should be added in some pictures/figures.

4. Mesh sensitivity analysis should be performed for numerical simulations.

5. The parameters as well as analysis process should be non-dimensionalized, in order to make the conclusions possess broader universality.

6. It is suggested that more numerical simulations should be conducted to better support the conclusions in present article.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

OK