Mechanical behavior of hybrid FRP composites with bolted joints

Abstract

The behavior of an innovative hybrid Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite with bolted joints was investigated. Coupons and full-size specimens were tested to determine the effect of applied bolt torque and the contribution of adhesive bonding on the load capacity and failure mode of the hybrid FRP with bolted joints. The results showed that at different levels of applied bolt torque (10, 15, 20 and 25 N-m), little friction resistance developed. A slight increase on the load capacity was however observed with increasing tightening torque. On the other hand, the bolting accompanied by adhesive bonding provided resistance against slipping. The full-size hybrid FRP girder with joints using bolts and epoxy exhibited the same strength and stiffness as the girder without joints while bolting alone resulted to a beam with only 65% of the stiffness of those without joints. Theoretical analyses were conducted and result showed a good agreement with the experimental results.