Failure of GFRP channel section beams subjected to bending - Numerical and experimental investigations

The paper concerns an analysis of four-point bending tests of C-shaped profile beam built of 8-ply GFRP. Six different arrangements of layers were taken into consideration: [0/-45/45/90](S), [90/-45/45/0](S), [90/0/90/01](S), [0/90/0/90](S), [45/-45/45/-45](S), [45/-45/90/0](S). To compare experimental results, numerical simulations of investigated columns in Ansys 16.2 software were carried out. In addition, tests of bending on samples were recorded using ARAMIS (R) system. For assessing the failure in numerical simulations, the following criteria were used: Inverse of Tsai-Wu, Maximum Stress and Hashin's criterion. For the arrangement of layers [0/-45/45/90](S) the damage assessment were performed with the use of macroscopic observations, non-destructive testing with the use of ultrasonic techniques, X-ray computed microtomography, and microscopic examination with the use of stereoscopic, optical and scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.