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GFRP Characterization

As received cross section images 

Porosity at the circumference of Excellent bonding between fibers individual bars   Excellent bonding between fibers and matrix for #5 rebar 

Porosity at the circumference of Excellent bonding between fibers individual bars

   Excellent bonding between fibers and matrix for #5 rebar 
 

 As received longitudinal sections shows good bonding
Image of Nitrogen   Images of Nitrogen

Images of Nitrogen-Split #4 bars at 100x and 400x magnifications, showing good bonding between matrix and fibers
 

  Burn-off test of as received specimens shows good fiber alignment  
Burn-off test of as received specimens   Burn-off test of as received specimens

Burn-off test of as received specimens shows good fiber alignment  
 

Effect of Compressive Loading on FRP
Effect of Compressive Loading on FRP  
  • Post-compression images of the surface of FRP
  • Visible Splitting
    • Splitting may lead to otherfailure modes such asmicro-buckling and kinking
    • Intrusion of moisture, stiffness degradation

 

 

Stages of Failure under compressive loading (1)

 

Failure under compressive loading

   Failure under compressive loading
Dominant failure mode of long fiber is micro-buckling that leads to compressive failure of composite structures

  • Locally misaligned fibers
  • Presence of voids
  • Splitting due to matrix fracture
 

Stages of Failure under compressive loading (2)
Failure under compressive loading   Failure under compressive loading

After inflection point forms (Previous slide), Kink forms, followed by a kink band.
 

Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix

 
Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix    Moisture exposed at 100°C for 220 days.

  • Trace of water protrusion on the matrix and around the fiber.
  • Signs of cracking and matrix degradation after aging compared to as received (previous slide)
 

 

 Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix 
Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix    Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix 

As Received Loaded in Compression

  

Exposed at 100°C for 220 days. Loaded in Compression Moisture exposure compromised matrix and resulted in severe kinking

 

Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix  
Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix     Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix  

     Effect of Moisture on FRP Matrix
 

Effect of Environmental Exposure & Compressive Loading on Matrix
Effect of Environmental Exposure & Compressive Loading on Matrix
Quasi-static compression splitting failure mode of #5 moisture exposed at 100°C for 220 days   Close up on splitting failure mode showing de-bonding of fibers after moisture exposure

 

 Effect of Moisture & Compression  
X-ray Images of FRP   X-ray Images of FRP
 X-ray Images of FRP. Left as received #5 . Middle as received tested in compression. Right moisture exposed tested in compression.