Seismic Design of Pultruded FRP Structures as Ancillary and/or Independent Solution

Abstract

The civil engineering fields of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) pultruded profiles are the structural rehabilitation of the existing constructions and the new buildings. In the first case the FRP intervention is ancillary to masonry construction as beams and trusses for roofs and floors; while, in the second case, the all-FRP structures are for over elevation frame, emergency and specific structures in complex conditions. The non-linear responses of masonry structures with truss beams made of pultruded FRP profiles and traditional materials have been compared through finite element models subjected to the seismic forces. Furthermore, the seismic response of all-FRP building with concentric diagonal braces has been analysed. For both applications it is possible to assert that despite the absence of ductile behaviour of FRP pultruded material, the new technology guarantees a dissipative response through the global ductility and the effect of the low self-weight related to the mechanical performances.