Experimental Study of a Bonded Plastic Fiber Reinforced Polymer Connector Assembly
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 8, Issue 6
Abstract
In this paper the physical behaviors of a connection assembly comprising a molded glass reinforced plastic [plastic fiber reinforced polymer (PFRP)] connector unit currently commercially manufactured from sheet molding compound and two pultruded PFRP box section beams/columns are examined. A detailed review highlights the apparent lack of research in this area. A limited number of studies have indicated the potential benefits of this joining technology in comparison to mimicking steel-type connections in which ductility is exploited. Reflecting the internal asymmetries of the connector unit, rotationally similar tests have been undertaken in which the connection assembly has been subjected to loading and boundary conditions inducing predominantly shear and bending states, respectively. Load-displacement characteristics, strain measurements, and failure modes are reported. In the context of the basic geometric design of the connector unit and low strength parent material, the connection assembly is shown to perform well, mobilizing up to 26% of the ultimate bending strength of the pultruded box section and demonstrating the potential of the joining technology.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 8 • Issue 6 • December 2004
Pages: 549 - 559
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 ASCE.
History
Published online: Nov 15, 2004
Published in print: Dec 2004
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