Experimental study of hollow FRP sections under bending

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on hollow, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sections subjected to bending. This study is part of an ongoing project, with the eventual goal being to use the sections as a bridge decking material. There are many advantages that FRP decking has over traditional materials, one being its corrosion resistant properties, which are especially beneficial in winter conditions where de-icing salts are necessary. As the popularity of FRP decking has grown over the past two decades, manufacturers have started producing various FRP sections and profiles that are available "off-the shelf". The experimental testing materials consist of prefabricated, square, hollow structural glass FRP (GFRP) sections with an edge width of 100 mm and wall thickness 6 mm. The specimens are of varying lengths between 1000 mm and 3000 mm. In this paper, the behaviour of individual sections under four point bending, along with load-deflection and load strain responses are presented; the outcome of this testing will determine if the specimens are viable for use as a bridge decking material.