Probabilistic Based Design of Concentrically Loaded Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Compression Members

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical probabilistic based design procedure for concentrically loaded compression members of fiber-reinforced polymeric composite materials. Resistance factors for use in a load and resistance factor design format are developed for flexural buckling of doubly symmetric sections, both flexural buckling and flexural-torsional buckling of equal leg angles, and material failure. The developed resistance factors are a function of the coefficient of variation of the appropriate material properties. The proposed resistance factors were determined to provide a reliability index of 3.0 for buckling limit states and a reliability index of 3.5 for the material fracture limit state. A proposed method of developing an allowable stress design code is also given.