Modular assembly of water-retaining walls using GFRP hollow profiles: Components and connection performance
WahidFerdous,a YuBai,a Ahmed D.Almutairi,a Sindu Satasivam,a1 JuriJeskeb
Abstract
This study proposes and examines a new structural retaining wall system using pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. The flexural behaviour of the two section types (double-H-planks and round-piles) are investigated at various spans under four-point bending. The effects of shear span-to-depth (a/d) ratio and sectional geometry on the structural capacity, stiffness and failure mode are studied. The effectiveness of the mechanical interlocking system between double-H-plank and round-pile for a continuous assembly is evaluated. Results suggest that the a/d ratio plays an important role in determining failure modes and ultimate capacities of double-H-plank and round-pile specimens. Additionally, a low a/d ratio or a larger depth incurs premature local crushing rather than flexural or shear failure. The mechanical interlocking system used to connect components together was found to be reliable as it effectively transfers bending loads from the double-H-plank to adjacent connected components even when the connection rotation is greater than 12°. Finally, FE modelling showed a good agreement with the experimental failure modes and satisfactorily estimated the failure loads and structural stiffness.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Performance of FRP-Confined Softwood Timber Poles
Ahmed Almutairi 1, Fu Jia Luo 1, Juri Jeske 2 and Yu Bai 3
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
2 Exel Composites Pty Ltd, Melbourne Office, Boronia, VIC 3155, Australia.
3 Corresponding author, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Abstract
This paper presents a study of using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as confinement system onto softwood timber poles for potential application as electrical distribution poles. The proposed FRP confinement method was a wet layup process using multiple layers of (Biaxial) 90o/ 0o woven roving E-glass fibre sheets. A series of FRP confined timber pole specimens, with different confinement lengths ranging from 0% to 70% of the span length, were prepared and tested in three- point bending to present two equivalent cantilevers. A timber/FRP composite section with full confinement length was also investigated. Results showed that the FRP confinement system provided a considerable improvement to the softwood poles in terms of the load carrying capacity and bending stiffness. Theoretical calculation was also conducted to estimate the bending stiffness showing good comparison to the experiments.