Shear behavior of glue-laminated composite sandwich beams

Abstract

[Abstract]: The shear behaviour of a new generation composite sandwich structure made up of glass fibre reinforced polymer skins and modified phenolic core material was investigated in view of using this composite material as a shear loading component in structural glue-laminated beams. Characterisation of the shear strength and stiffness of the fibre composite skins and the modified phenolic core material was conducted following the ASTM-D5379/D5379M-93 test standard. The shear behaviour of the individual and the gluelaminated composite sandwiches was investigated under asymmetrical beam shear test. The results of the experimental investigation showed that the asymmetrical beam shear test gives a good estimation of the shear strength and stiffness of the glue-laminated composite sandwiches. A theoretical prediction of the shear strength of the composite sandwich beams with high strength core material was proposed and comparison with experimental results showed a good correlation. The results of the study suggest the high possibility of using composite sandwich construction in the development of structural laminated beams to carry shear.