Experimental study on z-pin bridging law by pullout test

This paper presents an experimental study on the evaluation of bridging law for a z-pin. The relationship between the z-pin bridging force and its displacement was measured by z-pin pullout tests. The tests were carried out using three types of samples with: single small pin; 3 x 3 small-pins (three columns x three rows) and 3 x 3 big-pins. For 3 x 3 small-pins samples, a typical pullout curve with initial bonding, debonding and frictional sliding was obtained. A high peak value of the debonding force was reached before z-pin debonding started. After debonding was initiated, the pullout force dropped rapidly to a lower value, the pins were then pulled out steadily against friction. However, for samples with 3 x 3 big-pins, it was difficult to discern the peak debonding force. The major results of this study are expected to provide a better physical understanding of the mechanics and mechanisms of z-pin bridging, aside from an efficient and accurate methodology to measure the crack-bridging law. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.