Research Information System
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING, vol.66, pp.311-327, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)
In past few decades, the interest in using pultruded fiber reinforced polymeric (PFRP) composites in construction applications has grown rapidly. Several research studies were conducted and focused on the performance of PFRP beams, columns and frame structures. The results of the majority of previous studies highlighted a major problem associated with the deficiency of the off-the-shelf, unidirectional open-web pultruded profiles. In this regards, a common conclusion was drawn by many researchers; that is: the inherent structural deficiency of commercially produced unidirectional PFRP profiles, especially at the flange/web(s) junction(s) that lacks fiber continuity. The lack of fiber continuity creates a "resin-rich" zones at the junctions that were shown to be responsible for rapid degradation of both axial and rotational stiffness as well as the strength of the majority of PFRP profiles. Another related problem is the use of incorrect framing connection details, currently being used by industry.