Experiment and analysis of bolted GFRP beam–beam connections

Abstract In this paper, experiments and finite element analyses were conducted to investigate the behavior and strength of different configurations of bolted glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) beam-to-beam (Girder) connections. Three-point bending behaviors of three different GFRP beam–beam connections were studied after which modifications were done to further increase the connection strength. The ultimate aim of the project was to try to optimize the load capacity of the joints by using the most efficient bolt configuration. The finite element analysis was carried out using ANSYS Workbench version R14.5 and the results were validated by comparison with experimental results. The results of the finite element simulation when compared to the experimental results, show great correlation in joint stiffness and is capable of predicting the origin of failure in the beam-to-beam (beam–beam) connection.