Fabrication and testing of cuff connections for GFRP box sections

S. K. Singamsethi, J. M. LaFave, K. D. Hjelmstad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new type of connection between beams and columns has been designed and fabricated specifically for use with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) pultruded box members. The work is built on previous efforts in the area of GFRP connections, which demonstrated that innovative connections between box sections are superior to connections based on concepts from steel construction for connecting I-beams. The new connection element is designed as a monolithic connection for frame members and is fabricated using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. Individual connection specimens have been fabricated and tested to verify their performance under cyclic static loads in a test frame designed to simulate conditions in a moment resisting frame. The connection configuration was found to fare better from the standpoint of both strength and stiffness in comparison with previous attempts at developing GFRP beam-to-column connections.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)536-544
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Composites for Construction
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Composite structures
  • Connections
  • Fabrication
  • Glass reinforced plastics
  • Joints
  • Laboratory tests
  • Stiffness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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