Experimental and finite element investigation on bolted connection in monolithic 3-dimensional cuff with pultruded box section

Abstract

This article presents a concise and practical research study on the application of pultruded GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) hollow sections in structural engineering. Experimental and computational investigations are conducted on the utilization of GFRP cuff components for joining tubular pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) beams and columns. Both adhesive bonding and bolted connections are explored for connecting PFRP box sections of beam-column interfaces. The study investigates twelve series of beam-to-column connections under monotonic loading conditions, varying cuff geometry. A finite element model is developed to represent the pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer box sections, columns, and cuff sections. The model’s accuracy in depicting frame stiffness and cuff damage patterns, considering different thicknesses and lengths of GFRP cuff connections, is validated against experimental test frame behavior. This research fills a gap in scientific inquiry regarding GFRP hollow profiles, providing valuable insights for structural engineering applications.