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This paper presents a method for multiscale damage prediction of pultruded fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites. The representative volume units (RVEs) method was created to predict the elastic properties of unidirectional yarns and fabrics. Subsequently, at the macroscopic scale, the results of the microscopic predictions were used as material parameters for the laminate. The intra-plate failures were reflected by writing a 3D Hashin VUMAT subroutine, and cohesive cells were created to reflect inter-layer failures. The proposed numerical model was verified by tensile and bending tests, and the mechanical response of the lay-up method to the pultruded FRP laminate was further investigated. The results of this study show that the numerical analysis method could accurately predict the mechanical properties of FRP and reveal the damage mechanism of FRP laminates. Also, it was clarified that for different load patterns, the different lay-up methods were a significant affect in the laminate design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage quantification in terms of engineering demand parameters (EDPs) is a critical element of the performance-based design (PBD) approach. A widely used EDP for reinforced-concrete (RC) bridge columns is the drift ratio. This study establishes drift ratio limit states, and corresponding strengths for hybrid GFRP–steel RC circular bridge columns. The adopted reinforcement layout in this study consists of two layers of reinforcement, exterior with GFRP and interior with steel. Such coupling between the two materials in concrete bridge columns improves their corrosion resistance while maintaining their stiffness and ductility. Here, a validated fiber-based model is utilized to predict global as well as local responses of hybrid RC columns under monotonic displacement-controlled loading. A full factorial analysis was first adopted to screen parameters potentially influencing drift ratio limit states and corresponding strengths for their significance. The resulting data were then fitted to mathematical expressions using machine learning-based symbolic regression. Lateral load–deformation responses predicted based on the proposed expressions were validated against existing data from the literature. A complete example demonstrating how the proposed expressions could be utilized to design a hybrid bridge column within the context of PBD is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a lightweight fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) helical gear was fabricated to investigate the potential application of FRP in automobile parts that require high loads and reduced noise. High-performance aramid FRP processed using the wet-laid method was used in the tooth region, and SCR420 steel was used in the inner hub region. A hot-forming system that combines rapid induction heating and water channel cooling methods was developed to reduce the cycle time. The cooling water flow conditions were analyzed to precisely control the mold temperature. Additionally, a rotating extraction system was developed to mitigate the extraction difficulty owing to the helix angle to the extraction direction. Using the innovative hot-forming system developed in this study, a helical gear without any process-induced defects was fabricated with a significantly reduced cycle time. The performance of the gear was successfully estimated using gear durability, torsional strength, and motion noise tests. The use of FRP materials offers significant potential to realize lightweight components; however, certain challenges related to their properties that may limit their application must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a lightweight fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) helical gear was fabricated to investigate the potential application of FRP in automobile parts that require high loads and reduced noise. High-performance aramid FRP processed using the wet-laid method was used in the tooth region, and SCR420 steel was used in the inner hub region. A hot-forming system that combines rapid induction heating and water channel cooling methods was developed to reduce the cycle time. The cooling water flow conditions were analyzed to precisely control the mold temperature. Additionally, a rotating extraction system was developed to mitigate the extraction difficulty owing to the helix angle to the extraction direction. Using the innovative hot-forming system developed in this study, a helical gear without any process-induced defects was fabricated with a significantly reduced cycle time. The performance of the gear was successfully estimated using gear durability, torsional strength, and motion noise tests. The use of FRP materials offers significant potential to realize lightweight components; however, certain challenges related to their properties that may limit their application must be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

This paper aims to define the influencing design criteria for compliant folding mechanisms with pneumatically actuated hinges consisting of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Through simulation and physical testing, the influence of stiffness, hinge width as well as variation of the stiffness, in the flaps without changing the stiffness in the hinge zone, was evaluated. Within a finite element model software, a workflow was developed for simulations, in order to infer mathematical models for the prediction of mechanical properties and the deformation behavior as a function of the aforementioned parameters. In conclusion, the bending angle increases with decreasing material stiffness and with increasing hinge width, while it is not affected by the flap stiffness itself. The defined workflow builds a basis for the development of a predictive model for the deformation behavior of FRPs.

Nanosilica powder was added to modify the properties of epoxy binder. Two types of modified epoxy resin binder [crack glue and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) glue] are developed to repair cracks and to glue fiber fabrics to the concrete surface, respectively. Bonding strength of FRP concrete interface is tested, the flexural strength test for FRP-strengthened cracked concrete is conducted, and the effects of FRP dimensions, concrete strengths, and types of premade crack and epoxy binder on strengthening are analyzed. Nanosilica powder greatly improves the ductility, strength, and workability of epoxy binders. Effective bonding between FRP and concrete can be achieved by nanomodified FRP glue. Nanomodified crack glue is able to repair concrete containing cracks without diminishing concrete capacity. The failure regions are beyond the premade cracks. The ultimate capacity, ultimate displacement, and fracture energy of cracked concrete are significantly improved by strengthening with crack glue and FRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some structures, both military and civilian, might experience explosive loads during their service life. Owing to high uncertainties in blast load predictions and structural parameters, accurate assessment of the performances of structures under explosion loads is a challenging task. For example, a number of experimental studies using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) strengthening of RC structures have been reported in the literature. Most of these studies demonstrate that FRP strengthening is effective in increasing the blast load–carrying capacities of RC structures. However, significant variations in the effectiveness of FRP strengthening have also been observed owing to the large uncertainties in blast loading, RC and FRP material properties, and workmanship in preparing the test specimens and conducting experimental tests. Very few studies that take into consideration these uncertainties in analyzing the effectiveness of FRP strengthening of RC structures on blast loading resistance can be found in the literature. This study performs a reliability analysis to assess the performance of RC columns with or without FRP strengthening in resisting blast loads. Statistical variations of blast loading predictions derived in a previous study are adopted in this study. To define structural performance, pressure-impulse (P-I) curves with a damage criterion on the basis of axial load-carrying capacity that were developed in previous studies for RC columns without strengthening or with FRP strip, FRP wrap, or both FRP strip and wrap strengthening are used. Considering the uncertainties in blast loading predictions and RC column and FRP material properties and dimensions, limit-state functions corresponding to different damage levels of RC columns with or without FRP strengthening are formulated. The statistical variations of blast loading, RC column dimension, longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratio, and concrete, steel, and FRP material strength and FRP thickness are considered. The failure probabilities of RC columns corresponding to different damage levels with or without FRP strengthening are calculated. The effectiveness of FRP strengthening on the RC column's blast loading resistance capacities is discussed. The importance of considering the random fluctuations on blast loading and RC column parameters in assessing the blast loading effect on RC columns is demonstrated. A structural system reliability analysis is also carried out to examine the probability of structural collapse as a result of blast loading applied to the front of an example two-span multistory RC frame. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the effectiveness of FRP strengthening on structure protection and can also be used to assess RC structure performance under blast loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the dc insulation design of gas insulated switchgear (GIS), the insulation characteristics under lightning impulse (LI) voltage with a superimposed dc voltage (superimposed voltage) must be clarified. The paper experimentally examined the GIS breakdown characteristics under this superimposed voltage. The test models simulating an insulator creepage surface were used for which consideration of the influence of dc voltage among various other GIS insulating elements is particularly important. To be specific, a cylindrical model made of epoxy resin or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) as the material and a conical epoxy spacer model were tested. For the cylindrical model, a cap-shaped electrode was placed on the insulator and a small gap was established between the end of the electrode and the insulator. When the dc breakdown voltages were measured using these samples, they were higher for the applied voltage of positive polarity than that of negative polarity for all samples. The post-test observation of the electrification condition revealed greater electrification on the insulator surface for the applied voltage of positive polarity. The electrification charges are considered to have relaxed the electric field and increased the breakdown voltage. Subsequently, the breakdown test was conducted using a superimposed voltage, whereby a foregoing dc voltage was applied to samples for a certain period, whereupon a LI voltage was applied with the dc voltage continually applied. The breakdown voltage when the LI voltage and dc voltage had equivalent polarity was approximately same to the LI alone breakdown voltage. Conversely, when they were opposite in polarity, the breakdown voltage under the superimposed voltage obviously tended to decrease from the LI alone breakdown voltage. It is considered attributable to the fact that the insulator surface was electrified by the foregoing dc voltage and applying LI voltage opposite in polarity to this electrification intensified the electric field where the breakdown started to occur. Accordingly, it emerged that the GIS breakdown characteristics changed significantly depending on the polarity combinations of LI and dc voltages. The influence of these polarities must be taken into consideration when studying the GIS dc insulation design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now that gas insulated switchgear (GIS) for ac systems is becoming increasingly compact as specifications are rationalized, more consideration of their insulation characteristics for residual dc voltage is required. Furthermore, with dc power transmission technology drawing more and more global attention, clarifying the insulation characteristics of GIS for dc voltage is increasingly important. The insulating portions for which the influence of dc voltage must be taken into consideration are solid insulators, such as insulating spacers. Under dc voltage, since the electric field distribution in an insulator differs from that under ac or impulse voltage and is governed by the resistance characteristics, clarifying its characteristics is crucial to study the GIS dc insulation design. As a solid insulator, focusing on fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) used for GIS, for example, insulating rods, as well as partially treated epoxy resin; this paper experimentally investigated the bulk and surface electric conductivity under dc voltage, using the electric field, temperature, and other factors as parameters. As a result, the bulk electric conductivity of FRP in an edgewise direction exceeded that in the penetrating direction by one digit. It emerged that the electric conductivity of an insulating material with orientation like FRP varied depending on its direction. It was also found that, despite the fact the bulk and surface conductivity depended on the electric field for both FRP and epoxy resin, the variation width was relatively narrow within the range of the actual GIS operating electric field. The bulk and surface electric conductivity were also temperature-dependent, which meant the variation width was relatively wide. Furthermore, the surface electric conductivity was measured in SF6 gas and in the air to investigate the influence of the ambient atmosphere, whereupon it emerged that the electric conductivity was higher in air due to the adherence of moisture. As mentioned above, the electric conductivity of an insulator varies due to various factors, such as the influence of the material orientation, electric field, temperature, and moisture. Consequently, the electric field distribution inside the insulator also changes, meaning these electric conductivity characteristics must be taken into consideration to study the GIS dc insulation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete (RC) columns using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) jacketing has been widely investigated. However, the residual performance of FRP retrofitted columns after surviving earthquake attacks remains as an issue with little research. As a follow up of a previous experimental study, this paper reports the analysis of the axial loading creep behavior of FRP retrofitted RC columns with different degrees of simulated earthquake damage. The damage degree and residual strains in FRP after lateral loading are assessed based on previous maximum lateral displacement excursion. A creep model for damaged columns with FRP jacket is presented based on the age-adjusted effective modulus method for creep of concrete and the Findley's power law function for creep of FRP jacket. The creep model considers the effects of previous damage, sealed concrete, multiaxial stress state of stresses and stress redistribution. The proposed model is validated against previous creep tests of fiber-wrapped concrete columns by other researchers and the long-term tests conducted by the authors. Finally, a detailed study is carried out to identify the practical design parameters affecting creep of hybrid columns. The analytical results show that the creep of the FRP confined column increases as the damage degree becomes larger and exhibits notable nonlinear feature. The creep life declines and may cause creep rupture of the FRP when retrofitted columns suffer serious earthquake damage or under high axial load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective design has become a chief concern in the design of some bridges and buildings, particularly related to the requirement that such facilities offer protection from accidental or malicious explosions. In this paper, the enhancement of the blast-resistance capability of reinforced concrete columns using FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) is examined as a key element in upgrading the protective design of existing buildings and bridges. In this paper, the basic behaviors that need to be considered in blast effects analysis of RC columns for vehicle bomb threats are described. The ability of FRP to address these sorts of risks is shown through the analysis and test results presented. Three crucial points are made: (1) FRP offers a remarkable capability to enhance the blast resistance of existing RC columns, (2) assessing the residual capacity of large columns struck by a blast loading involves consideration of the effects of material damage, and (3) physics-based material models are often needed to capture the concrete behaviors engendered by intense blast loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Strengthening of RC columns through lateral confinement provided by external fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets (or wraps) has become an increasingly popular technique over the past decade. Nevertheless, relevant design provisions in existing design guidelines are only concerned with the design of FRP jackets for short columns in which the slenderness effect is negligible. Even for the safe application of the existing design provisions for short columns, there is an urgent need to define a slenderness limit for short FRP-confined columns. This paper proposes such a slenderness limit expression based on the numerical results of a comprehensive parametric study that investigates the effects of various parameters on the slenderness limit using a recently developed theoretical column model. An important feature of the proposed expression is that it separates the effect of FRP confinement on the slenderness limit from the effect of other parameters. This feature allows existing slenderness limit expressions for short RC columns of different forms to be readily upgraded for use in the design of FRP-confined RC columns by incorporating the part dealing with the effect of FRP confinement in the proposed expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fiber–metal laminates (FMLs) are high-performance hybrid structures based on alternating stacked arrangements of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) plies and metal alloy layers. The response of FMLs subjected to low-velocity impact is studied in this paper. The aluminum (Al) sheets are placed instead of some of layers of FRP plies. The effect of the Al layers on contact force history, deflection, in-plane strains and stresses of the structure is studied. The first-order shear deformation theory as well as the Fourier series method is used to solve the governing equations of the composite plate analytically. The interaction between the impactor and the plate is modeled with the use of a two degrees-of-freedom system, consisting of springs-masses. The Choi''s linearized Hertzian contact model is used in the impact analysis of the hybrid composite plate. The results indicated that some of the parameters like the layer sequence, mass and velocity of the impactor in a constant impact energy level, and the aspect ratio (a/b) of the plate are important factors affecting the dynamic response of the FMLs. Interaction among the mentioned geometrical parameters and material parameters like the aluminum 2024-T3 alloy layers is studied. The numerical results that are presented in this paper hitherto not reported in the published literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Semi-automated process enables braiding of large-scale spatially branched structures. • Process workflow enables the generation of robot paths from the component CAD. • 4-armed node proves the producibility of multi-branched structures. In building industries, branched load-bearing structures are used for defined load transfer and load distribution. While fiber-reinforced plastics are established as concrete formwork for straight segments, node geometries are less available. This is caused by the complex manufacturing process of spatially branched, three-dimensional textile preforms. There are only few productive textile processes for the manufacture that are attractive to industry, the most common is braiding. However, setting up the process, including programming the mandrel path through the braiding machine and adjusting the fiber placement, is very time consuming, making the process unattractive despite high productivity. This paper presents a new digitalized process workflow for the fabrication which simplifies the process preparation and thus could establish the braiding process for rapid fabrication of spatially branched, three-dimensional geometries. The digitalized workflow is validated by manufacturing a 4-arm node structure consisting of a concrete-filled CFRP in a scale relevant to the building industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]