Experimental investigation of the static load bearing capacity of a FRP-strengthened tubular T-joint under brace axial compressive loading

This paper presents the results of an experimental research program conducted on a FRP strengthened steel tubular T-joint made of Circular Hollow Sections. The specimen was reinforced by uni-directional glass fibers impregnated with vinyl ester resin and wrapped all around the intersection of the members and the adjacent areas. Axial compression in shape of displacement controlled non-linear static loading acting on the brace member and consequently on the chord face at the intersection was selected for the monotonic loading regime. The load–displacement was recorded during the experiments. Results of this study have been compared with a formerly conducted experiment on a FRP-strengthened tubular T-joint to evaluate how the joint geometry affects the FRP efficacy on the improvement of joint static capacity. Assessment of the relative studies confirms that the FRP wrapping has significant influence on the ultimate load capacity of the connections and can highly improve the connection behavior. In addition, it was found that joint’s geometry plays a significant role on the FRP effectiveness

Keywords:

Tubular connection , FRP-strengthening , Experimental specimen , Static load bearing capacity , Geometrical parameters.