Cyclic Response of Bolted and Hybrid Pultruded FRP Beam-Column Joints between I-Shaped Sections

Abstract

This paper presents cyclic behaviour of bolted and hybrid–combined bolted and bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) beam-to-column joints between I-shaped members using steel and FRP cleats. Five full-scale cyclic tests are carried out to study moment-rotation behaviour, cyclic response, and failure patterns. The test parameters include position of cleat (flange or combined web and flange), fastening method (bolting or hybrid–combining bolting and bonding) and cleat material (steel or FRP). First two tests had bolted and hybrid joints with steel flange and web double angles. Next two tests had the same joint detailing but with no web cleats. Last test used bolted joint only with FRP web and flange cleats. Three failure modes were observed: shear-out failure of the beam’s bolted zone, adhesive debonding with shear-out failure and delamination cracking. Cyclic performance of the joints was assessed by hysteresis moment-rotation curves and accumulated dissipated energy. Hybrid joints showed the best overall cyclic performance with accumulated dissipated energy about 75% higher than the bolted joints. Bolted joints with FRP cleats exhibited the worst cyclic performance. Flange cleated joints showed similar performance to web and flange cleated joints.

Keywords

• FRP composite structures
• cyclic testing
• beam-to-column joints
• bolting and adhesive bonding
• moment-rotation behaviour