Probabilistic Models for Spatially Varying Mechanical Properties of In-Service GFRP Cladding Panels
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 13, Issue 2
Abstract
The physical uncertainty associated with fiber-reinforced polymer composites has to be quantified and dealt with for their widespread use to be reliable. Developing probabilistic models based on experimental studies form an important part of this task. In the present paper, such models are developed for glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites based on an experimental study on panels obtained from Mondial House, a old building demolished in 2006 in London. Having an average size of and made of chopped strand mat composites, these panels have been exposed to varying ambient conditions, protected only by a fire retardant gel coat for self-cleaning. Tensile and compressive tests are performed to quantify the variability in stiffness and strength properties of these panels. Intra- and interpanel effects and correlations between random variables are studied using statistical methods. A range of probability distributions is tested and suggestions are made with regard to their suitability for modeling different mechanical and geometric properties.
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Acknowledgments
The writers gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided for this study by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), U.K. Thanks are also due to the U.K. Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC), and in particular to Dr Sue Halliwell, for sourcing the GFRP panels.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 13 • Issue 2 • April 2009
Pages: 159 - 167
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 25, 2008
Accepted: Nov 14, 2008
Published online: Apr 1, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2009
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