Experimental and analytical investigations on the bolted joints in pultruded FRP structural members

Abstract

The application of pultruded fiber reinforced plastic (PFRP) structural members in civil engineering structures has been gaining global acceptance rapidly in construction market in recent years. PFRP is an attractive material choice for designers who need to consider the factors such as light-weight, electro-magnetic transparency, high corrosion resistance, non-conductivity, etc. in comparison with the conventional structural materials. The purpose of this study is to be a step in understanding bolted joint in PFRP plate components. Bolted joints in PFRP plates are investigated for fracture of net area and block shear failure modes. Configuration and dimensions have been selected to highlight the block shear and net tension failure phenomena and to compare the behavior of composites to the standard practice in the case of steel connections. Experiments on the bolted joints in PFRP plate components are conducted and the finite element analysis was also performed. Results are compared and discussed. © 2009 International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC).