THE STRENGTH OF BONDED TEE-JOINTS IN FRP SHIPS

This paper is concerned with the design of boundary angles (tee-joints ) in single skin FRP ships and boats. The paper addresses two principa l areas. First, there is a brief review of the problem background and of methods used to synthesise the layup in typical marine joints. Desi gns are then generated on the basis of these methods with consideratio ns being given to different types of materials and configurations. The second aspect of the paper covers an experimental programme completed on a range of joint configurations. The results of these tests are pr esented in terms of loadings and deflections. Finally, some conclusion s are drawn regarding the efficiency of the different configurations a nd how these reflect back to the current design methods.