Experimental and numerical evaluation of hydro-thermal ageing's effects on adhesive connections in offshore structures

In offshore structures, the need to replace or strengthen existing metal components arises over time. One possible solution is the use of bonded connections. Nevertheless, the durability of the adhesive connections is highly compromised by the prolonged contact with water. In this paper, an experimental and numerical evaluation of hydro-thermal ageing's effects on polyurethane adhesive connections has been analysed. An efficient semi-analytical procedure is developed for the design or verification of existing structures reinforced by bonded steel elements. The model can evaluate the interfacial shear stress at all loading stages up to the failure of bonded joints exposed to the marine environment. The model is based on Bernoulli beam theory and satisfies the requirements of equilibrium and strain compatibility, allowing for interfacial deformations. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviour of bonded connections subject to accelerated ageing has been experimentally investigated. More in detail, an experimental program including double lap shear and end-notch flexure tests was performed to evaluate the cohesive behaviour in Mode II of a polyurethane structural adhesive under the combined effects of water and temperature during 150 days of exposure. The experimental and numerical investigation shows how the performance of the adhesive joints is influenced by the ageing conditions.