INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF FRP COMBINED WITH CONCRETE - SHORT-TERM BEHAVIOR

The study presents the mechanics associated with the short-term behavi or of glass-fiber reinforced-plastic (GFRP) box beams that include a l ayer of concrete and a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic laminate (CFRP) in the compression and the tension zone, respectively. This innovativ e concept results in cost-effective composite members with pseudoducti le characteristics and high stiffness and strength properties. It can be thought of as a better way of producing composite structural member s for simply supported spans, through an automated manufacturing techn ique such as pultrusion. The analytical results are verified by a seri es of bending tests on large-scale specimens and by the finite-element technique. The agreement between experiments and analysis was found q uite satisfactory. A preliminary design procedure for the hybrid membe rs is also presented, based on a complete set of stiffness, strength ( flexural strength, web shear failure by either crushing or buckling, l ateral instability), and ductility design requirements.