Experimental Evaluation on Fixed End Supported PFRP Channel Beams and LRFD Approach

摘要

In this paper, the experimental results on the fixed end supported PFRP channel beams subjected to threepoint loading are presented. The aims of this study are to evaluate the effects of the span (L) on the structural behaviors, the critical buckling moments and the modes of failure of the beams, and to compare the obtained critical buckling moments with those obtained from the modified LFRD steel design equation in order to check the adequacy of the equation. The beam specimens have the cross-sectional dimensions of 76x22x6 mm, with span-to-depth ratio (Lid) ranging from 13 to 52. A total of twenty-six specimens were tested. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the loads versus mid-span vertical deflection relationships of the beams are linear up to the failure. On the contrary, the load versus midspan lateral deflection relationships are geometrically nonlinear. The general modes of failure are the flexural-torsional buckling. Finally, the modified LFRD equation can satisfactorily predict the critical buckling moment for Lid exceeds 20. However, for LI d< 20, the equation overestimates the critical buckling moment of the beams and more development is needed.