Static Analysis of Sandwich Composite Panels

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a sandwich composite beam based on FRP materials which is a suitable alternative to reinforced concrete beams in specific applications. These FRP materials show higher durability and stability compared to reinforced concrete in aggressive environments (e.g. wastewater treatment plants). Compared to pultruded FRP beams, the developed solution better utilizes the properties of the sub-components. The results of this research suggest that the optimum use of composite materials is when the upper and lower flanges of the beam consist of pultruded composite profiles in the TT cross-section and the standing composite grating; this creates a relatively stiff beam with a high load-bearing capacity and resistance to aggressive environments at a very low self-weight. The final properties of this beam can be adjusted thanks to the variability of the dimensions of the web as well as the variability of a suitable laminate surface treatment. This in the final combination creates a sandwich composite structure. The behaviour of the composite beam is then confirmed in this paper using a four-point bending test. Different configurations of the beam design allowed us to determine the influence of the laminate surface layer (verification of the sandwich functionality), but also the influence of the beam connection at the standing point on the resulting behaviour. The results of the experiments demonstrated the optimal physical and mechanical parameters of the sandwich composite beam structure and gave us insights for further use of this type of structure.