Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation on Two Strengthening Schemes of Cantilever Brackets

Cantilever brackets have been widely used in buildings to provide support for all kinds of pipes. In order to improve the bearing capacity of cantilever brackets, two types of reinforcement schemes are proposed, one is to sleeve a pipe, and the other is to add a haunch. Their mechanical properties are studied by numerical simulation and experimental investigation. First, the non-linear finite element (FE) simulation analysis was carried out, and the structural bearing capacity, stress distribution, and failure modes were discussed. Then, the full-scale model tests were completed to provide validation of the FE analysis. On this basis, a comparison of the FE results and test results of three kinds of cantilever brackets was discussed in detail. The results show that two reinforcement schemes can enhance the bearing capacity of the cantilever bracket significantly by 38.3% and 25.9%, respectively, and they are applicable for the reinforcement of existing cantilever brackets.