Multibolted Joints for GFRP Structural Members

For the past few decades, aerospace industry was the major user of advanced composite materials. Recently, civil engineers and the construction industry began to realize the potential of these materials in providing remedies for many problems associated with deterioration and corrosion of infrastructures. In light of this, a comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted at the University of Manitoba to study the behavior of multibolted connections using glass fiber-reinforced plastic members. A total of 105 multibolted double shear lap connections were tested. The effect of various parameters including the width of the structural member, edge distance, number of bolts, bolt pattern, pitch, thickness of the members, and direction of fibers with respect to the applied load were examined. This paper analyzes the experimental program, test results, and the various modes of failure as affected by the previously noted parameters.