Mechanical Behavior of GFRP Connection Using FRTP Rivets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Structural Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) are increasingly used as structural members.
• Traditional metallic fasteners (bolts, rivets) for FRP structures can suffer from corrosion and stress concentration.
• Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTPs) offer advantages like remoldability and faster manufacturing compared to thermosetting plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel connection method for FRP members using FRTP rivets.
• To assess the mechanical properties and performance of FRTP rivets in FRP connections.
• To determine the applicability of existing steel structure joint calculation methods to FRTP-riveted FRP beams.

Main Methods:

• Material tests were conducted to evaluate the tensile, shear, and bending strength of FRTP rivets.
• Double-lapped tensile shear tests were performed to assess connection behavior and strength.
• A four-point beam bending test was used to evaluate the joint strength of FRP beams connected with FRTP rivets.

Main Results:

• FRTP rivets demonstrated stable tensile, shear, and bending strength.
• The proposed connection method achieved non-clearance connections, preventing initial sliding.
• Connection strength increased linearly with the number of FRTP rivets.
• The joint strength of FRTP-riveted FRP beams could be accurately predicted using methods for steel bolt joints.

Conclusions:

• FRTP rivets are a viable and effective solution for connecting FRP structural members.
• The proposed connection method offers improved performance over traditional metallic fasteners.
• The findings support the use of FRTP rivets in structural applications and provide a basis for design calculations.