Abstract
Composite materials have been increasingly used to produce hybrid structures together with concrete. This system is commonly applied to bridges and roof structures. The main idea of the current research was to extend this approach by replacing the concrete with a fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composite, resulting in a combination of composite materials. The main aim was to characterize the structural behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) profiles and FRCM hybrid superficial elements. Two different prototypes of the hybrid superficial structural typology were tested to cover bidimensional and three-dimensional application cases of the proposed technology. After mortar cracking, the experimental results revealed a ductile response and a high mechanical capacity. A finite element model was implemented, calibrated, and validated by comparing numerical data with experimental results of the two prototypes. The output was a validated model that correctly captured the characteristic response of the proposed technology, which consisted of changing the structural response from a stiff plate configuration to a membrane type due to cracking of the FRCM composite part of the full solution. The suggested numerical model adequately reflected the experimental response and proved valuable for understanding and explaining the resistive processes established along this complicated FRP-FRCM hybrid structure.
Highlights
The most common composite materials for strengthening building structures are divided into two different types based on the matrix’s composition, organics or inorganics
FRP rods typically used in the aforementioned engineering are mostly carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) fiber types
It has to be noticed that the results presented and the discussion based on them might be affected by variability, and it is suggested to take into account that only one specimen per type was tested when analyzing the provided data
Summary
The most common composite materials for strengthening building structures are divided into two different types based on the matrix’s composition, organics (polymers) or inorganics (cement, lime). The usual types of composite material are fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) for organic and inorganic types, respectively [1]. FRP materials provide many benefits over more conventional reinforcement methods, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, relative simplicity, fast installation, cost effectiveness, and high durability. FRP rods typically used in the aforementioned engineering are mostly carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) fiber types. The cost of GFRP is relatively low. Long-term exposure in a complex service environment, on the other hand, will result in resin matrix deterioration, plasticization, and expansion, as well as fiber/resin interface debonding [2].
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