FRP BEAM-TO-COLUMN CONNECTIONS USING ADHESIVES

Connections are the key to a good structural system. This paper describes an experimental/analytical project that studied the behavior of beam-to-column connections constructed from FRP composites that were only connected with structural epoxy adhesive. Two beam-column connection specimens were constructed from I-shaped sections. The connection in the second test was altered based on the results from the first test. Three-dimensional finite element models were used to predict the failure of the specimens during testing. Through connection improvements, the failure load of the second specimen was approximately double that of the first specimen, but still below the capacity of the beam and column. The use of shapes close to that of structural steel, while convenient, does not utilize the strength nor hide the weaknesses of the advanced composite materials used.