Single bolt tension joints in pultruded PFRP leg angle connections

This paper contains details of an experimental investigation into double lap single bolt tension joints in PFRP leg angle connections. 50 tests were carried out on two sizes of Extren Series 525 9.5mm thick leg angles, using M10 and M20 bolts, varying the joint geometry [end distance to bolt hole diameter (E/D) and leg width to bolt hole diameter (W/D) ratio] to determine the effect on failure load and failure mode. Three distinct failure modes were observed – bearing failure, shear-out, cleavage failure – the different failure modes are examined and the relationship between joint geometry and failure mode is discussed. The relationship between joint geometry and mode of failure is compared with results from similar works on flat plate pultruded GFRP and critical ratios indentified.