Failure modes of single and multi-bolted joint in the pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite members

In this paper, we discussed the structural behavior of bolted lap-joint connections in pultruded FRP structural members. Especially, bolted connections in pultruded FRP members are investigated for their failure modes and strength. Specimens with single and multiple bolt-holes are tested in tension under bolt-loading conditions. All of the specimens are instrumented with strain gages and the load-strain responses are monitored. The failed specimens are examined for the cracks and failure patterns. The purpose of this paper is to predict the failure strength by using the ratio of the results obtained by the experiment and the finite element analysis. In the study, several tests are conducted to determine the mechanical properties of pultruded FRP materials before the main experiment. The results are used in the finite element analysis for single and multiple bolted lap-joint specimens. The results obtained by the experiment are compared with the results obtained by the finite element analysis.