Carlo Casalegno

Buckling of Built-Up Columns of Pultruded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer C-Sections

This paper presents the test results of an experimental investigation to evaluate the buckling behavior of built-up columns of pultruded profiles, subjected to axial compression. Specimens are assembled by using four (off the shelf) channel shaped profiles of E-glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), having similar detailing to strut members in a large FRP structure that was executed in 2009 to start the restoration of the Santa Maria Paganica church in L’Aquila, Italy. This church had partially collapsed walls and no roof after the April 6, 2009, earthquake of 6.3 magnitude. A total of six columns are characterized with two different configurations for the bolted connections joining the channel sections into a built-up strut. Test results are discussed and a comparison is made with closed-form equation predictions for flexural buckling resistance, with buckling resistance values established from both eigenvalue and geometric nonlinear finite element analyses. Results show that there is a significant role played by the end loading condition, the composite action, and imperfections. Simple closed-form equations overestimate the flexural buckling strength, whereas the resistance provided by the nonlinear analysis provides a reasonably reliable numerical approach to establishing the actual buckling behavior.

Creep Effects in Pultruded FRP Beams

The paper presents results of two creep tests on pultruded open-section GFRP beams aimed to evaluate the long-term deformations, the residual deflection after unloading, and the influence of creep strains on the flexuraltorsional buckling phenomenon. Two beams were subjected to a constant load for about one year. Then one of the beams was unloaded to evaluate its residual deflection. For the other beam, the load was increased up to failure, and the residual buckling strength was compared with that of a similar beam tested up to failure. The parameters of the Findley power law are evaluated, and the experimental results are compared with those of numerical analyses and with available formulations for prediction of the time-dependent properties of composite beams. Results of the investigation testify, in particular, to a noninsignificant time-dependent increment in deflections of the beams and to a significant reduction in their buckling strength due to creep deformations.

Pushover Analysis of GFRP Pultruded Frames

Results of a pushover analysis of GFRP pultruded frames aimed at the evaluation of their overall ductility are presented. It is assumed that the dissipation capacity of the frame structures is concentrated in joints due to their nonlinear behavior induced by progressive damage, while a brittle-elastic behavior is assumed for frame members. A two-storey one-bay GFRP pultruded frame is considered for a case study in which the column-base and beam-column joints are modeled with nonlinear rotational springs with different moment-rotation laws derived from experimental results available in the literature. For comparison, frames with hinged connections and moment-resisting frames are also analyzed. Finally, the results obtained are compared with those for a similar steel frame. The final results bear witness, in particular, to the absence of a significant ductility of pultruded frames and the relevant influence of the characteristics of bracings on their structural response.

Numerical Analysis of a Masonry Panel Reinforced with Pultruded FRP Frames

The paper presents a numerical study on the retrofit of traditional masonry with pultruded GFRP profile frames adjacent to a wall and connected to it by mechanical fasteners. This kind of retrofit solution, not having been explored yet either in theory or practice, is similar to the common steel frame retrofits, but offers the advantages of lightness and durability of FRP composite materials. The retrofit system proposed, once proven effective and advantageous, would bring a considerable potential innovation into its available options. Three different frame geometries and two cases of masonry thickness were considered to investigate the effectiveness of the retrofit GFRP frame on the inplane static response of the wall to horizontal loads. The global and local (connection) failure behavior of the wall-frame system was investigated using the 3D finite-element method. A general increase in strength after the retrofit, up to about 130%, was found, and a switch from rocking to the diagonal tension failure mode was observed. The strength hierarchy of the retrofitted systems was also analyzed to clarify the effectiveness of the retrofit in imparting a residual strength to masonry. A thinner masonry structure was clearly recognized to have got the greatest benefits, but the retrofit could also significantly improve the inplane shear strength of a thicker wall. A comparison with steel structures of analogous capacity in terms of weight and natural vibration frequencies supported the viability of composite FRP frames for retrofit.

Dynamic Characterization of an All-FRP Bridge

The light weight and high deformability of bridges made with pultruded FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) materials make them very promising, but, at the same time, vulnerable to dynamic loadings. As a consequence, the vibration serviceability limit state can govern their design. There is currently a lack of data about the dynamic characteristics of FRP bridges and of design guidelines for securing their vibration serviceability. The paper presents the results of dynamic testing and characterization of an all-FRP spatial footbridge. The main modal parameters of the bridge are evaluated by an experimental modal analysis and by comparison of experimental data with FE analysis results. The identified flexural and torsional modes of the bridge are characterized by relatively high values of frequencies and damping. Results of the dynamic characterization give useful information about the dynamic characteristics of this kind of structures and can contribute to the elaboration of future guidelines for providing them with the vibration serviceability.

Experimental Analysis of Failure Mechanisms in Masonry-PFRP Profiles Connections

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) profiles, with their low density, high durability, and ease of construction, are particularly suitable for the retrofit of traditional masonry structures, particularly historic constructions in seismic zones. However, a critical aspect of this new technology application is the connection between FRP profiles and masonry walls. So far, no research studies are available on this subject. The authors carried out a preliminary experimental campaign on different connection systems between masonry and pultruded glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) profiles. The note presents the immediate results of this study, focusing on the performance and collapse mechanisms; the study may contribute to the development of an effective connection system between masonry and FRP profiles to be adopted in the retrofitting of existing building with juxtaposed FRP frames.

Preliminary numerical analysis of a masonry panel reinforced with pultruded GFRP profiles

The peculiarities of pultruded FRP profiles, i.e. low mass, durability and ease of construction, make them suitable for retrofitting traditional masonry structures, particularly in seismic areas. This could represent an effective solution, not yet sufficiently explored, that allows for non-invasive and reversible interventions, which improve the structural performance with a very small structural mass addition. The paper presents a FEM study on a hypothesis of retrofit of a traditional masonry building with pultruded FRP frame, adjacent to the masonry structure and connected to it with mechanical fasteners. The results appear promising and enlighten much increased in-plane strength and stiffness, as well as the change of the masonry failure mode into a more dissipative one.