Influence of material and geometry variations on the behaviour of bonded tee connections in FRP ships

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the design of tee connections in single skin FRP ships and boats. A brief review of the problem is first presented and reference is made to current practice towards the design of such joints. Areas of principal interest, especially those with most influence on joint behaviour, are identified. These are used in a systematic manner in physical and numerical modelling of the joint. Load/deflection graphs from the mechanical tests are presented and physical characteristics of the joint under load are noted. Numerical finite element models have then been used to provide an insight into the internal load dissipation and failure mechanisms. The modelling is used to highlight significant influences of geometry and material variations on the performance of the tee joints.