Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-31-2021

Abstract

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials is continuously growing in civil infrastructure owing to its high strength, low weight, and manufacturing flexibility. However, FRP is characterized by sudden failure and lacks ductility. When used in construction, gradual failure of FRP components is desired to avoid catastrophic structural collapse. Due to its mechanical orthotropy, the behavior of FRP relies significantly on fiber orientation and stacking sequence. In this research proposal, investigations showed that novel multi-angled glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with varying fiber orientation angles, stacking sequence, and thickness of laminas can be designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology to demonstrate a pseudo ductile behavior. FE simulations provided insight into failure mechanics and lead way to investigate an alternative bond to enable sequential failure of layers by dampening load transfer between layers. The effect of a weakened bond with low interlaminar shear strength and low interfacial adhesion and resulting dampening in load transfer was evaluated with different designs. This study showed that ductile mono type GFRP composite by design can successfully demonstrate ductile behavior with appropriate load sharing ratios and adequate bond between layers using 3D printing technology.

Keywords

Ductile, FRP, 3D printing, mechanical, shear, tension, axial stiffness, bond

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Mahmoud Reda Taha

Second Committee Member

Maryam Hojati

Third Committee Member

Yu-Lin Shen

Fourth Committee Member

Eslam Soliman

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