Impact of fiber reinforced polymer composites on structural joints of tubular sections: A review

Abstract

Tubular structures are the base of rational design with the improvement in high-performance and advanced structural applications. One of the biggest challenges of these parts is their complex/superior architectural geometry, therefore, knowledge is required to understand the features of each joint. In recent times, conventional metal tubular joints are replacing with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tubular joints in various applications, such as aerospace, automotive, civil construction, etc. This is due to lightweight and excellent corrosion resistance of FRP tubular joints compared to conventional metal tubular joints. In this review, the use of different types of tubular joints (T, L, X, and K-joints) and their failure mechanisms are discussed in detail. Further, the role of FRP composites in joining the tubular sections and reducing their weight is discussed. In addition, some specific failure modes (chord shear failure, local buckling, brace failure, etc.) for various types of tubular joints are given in detail. At the end of this review, several practical applications based on the classifications of tubular joint structures are reviewed. This review may provide several ideas and new directions to researchers for extending their skills in the field of composites to design innovative structural members in aerospace and automotive fields and architectural buildings, etc.