Abstract:
In this report, the results of the experimental research performed on the pultruded FRP (PFRP) angle beams subjected to transversely concentric and eccentric loads are presented. The objectives of the research work are to investigate their structural behaviors and to determine the critical buckling loads and failure modes of the beams with various span-to-width ratios and eccentricities. Pultruded beams are cantilever supported under flexure. The beam specimens have the cross-sectional dimension of L50×6.4 mm, L76×6.4 mm, and L102×6.4 mm with span-to-width ratios, ranging from 20 to 60. A total of 150 mono-symmetric section tests were performed. The effects of vertical load position through the cross-section were studied. Also, shear center position with concentric load and four different eccentricities were investigated of -2e, -e, +e, +2e. Based on the test results, it is found that the load versus mid-span vertical deflection relationships of the beams are linear up to the failure. On the contrary, the load versus mid-span lateral deflection relationships are geometrically nonlinear. The general failure mode is the flexural-torsional buckling. The eccentrically loaded specimens failed at buckling loads lower than their concentric counterparts. Overall, the critical buckling load decreases as the magnitude of eccentricity increases. Additionally, it is noticed that L/b ratio increases and the critical buckling load is decreased. Finally, an eccentric factor is proposed, and a good agreement between the proposed modified equation and experimental testing is obtained.