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Connections of Fibre Reinforced Polymer to Steel Members: Experiments

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Composites for Building Assembly

Part of the book series: Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering ((SPRTRCIENG))

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Abstract

Timber and steel studs or posts are commonly used in wall constructions for buildings. In this context and with the results from previous chapters, pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) studs may provide an alternative solution considering their light weight and improved durability. However, integrating the GFRP wall studs to a steel frame structure is challenging, as proper connection methods are required. A sleeve connection was proposed and examined in this chapter for wall studs to steel beams. Pultruded GFRP stud was fastened to the sleeve connector by one of three methods: ordinary bolt, one-sided bolt and adhesive bond. The connector was then fastened to the steel beam through ordinary bolts. Connections with conventional steel angles were also prepared for comparison purpose. A series of moment-rotation experiments were conducted on these stud-to-beam connections. In addition, two stud lengths were designed in order to study the connection behaviour under shear force dominant loading and moment dominant loading conditions. Experimental results were obtained including failure mode, moment-rotation response, shear-rotation response, joint rotational stiffness and capacity. It was found that the bonded sleeve connection outperformed all the other connections and was classified as a rigid and partial strength connection.

Reprinted from Composites Part B: Engineering, 95, Chao Wu, Zhujing Zhang, Yu Bai, Connections of tubular GFRP wall studs to steel beams for building construction, 64–75, Copyright 2016, with permission from Elsevier.

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Wu, C., Zhang, Z., Bai, Y. (2023). Connections of Fibre Reinforced Polymer to Steel Members: Experiments. In: Bai, Y. (eds) Composites for Building Assembly . Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4278-5_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4278-5_9

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