EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRENGTH EVALUATION OF SINGLE-BOLTED CONNECTIONS OF HAND LAY-UP GFRP MEMBERS

Abstract

 FRP is an attractive material for civil engineering structures because FRP has high strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness-to-weight ratio, and high corrosion resistance. However, mechanical behavior and capacity of bolted connections of FRP members are not thoroughly understood yet. This study is focused on bearing-type bolted connections of GFRP members with different conditions such as geometrical parameters, bolt axial force, materials of cover plate. Strength tests of single-bolted connections were conducted to examine their strengths and failure modes. Results show that failure mode and strength of a connection depend on its geometric parameters, and bolt axial force increases bearing strength and shear strength.