Structural Behavior of Semi-Rigid Composite Structures under Static and Dynamic Loads

Problems associated with the construct ability and durability of structures of conventional construction materials have led to a growing interest in developing new structural systems with other sustainable non-conventional materials such as fiber-reinforced-polymeric (FRP) composites. For construction applications, the preferred automated continuous production manufacturing process is the pultrusion process. The inherent light-weight and higher durability features of composites offer several advantages over steels, including: ease of construction and maintenance, corrosion resistance, electromagnetic transparency, and competitive life-cycle-cost.;The study aimed at evaluating the static and the dynamic behavior of semi-rigid pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite (PFRP) frame structures. This study involved both theoretical modeling and experimental verification tests. A reliable analytical model(s) that can accurately describe the behavior of PFRP semi-rigid frame structures subjected to static and dynamic loads was developed. Prior to conducting the experimental program, in-depth literature review was performed to identify critical information that is needed to build the analytical models. In addition, finite element stress and progressive failure analyses performed to identify both the service and ultimate behavior of each structure and to predict modes of failure for each frame specimen. In addition, the dynamic response of each structure modeled and analyzed. The analytical investigation utilized the state-of-the-art progressive failure analysis simulator developed by NASA and Alpha Star Corp., GENOA that captured the progression of failure of these frame structure starting from the micro level damages till the total collapse.;In order to evaluate the dynamic response of PFRP frame structures in seismic zones, an analytical algorithm has been developed, and used for developing a software package for the dynamic analysis of structures during earthquakes. A step-by-step numerical method (Newmark's Method) is utilized, and presented for multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) systems. A computer code was built based on the adopted numerical algorithm. A total of fifty different earthquakes records were selected which covered wide range of frequency content and scaled to 1.0g to investigate the drift of MDOF composites frames under these earthquakes using the computer code. The fifty earthquakes records selection criteria was based on the requirements of the FEMA "Quantification of Building Seismic Performance Factors FEMA P695" document.;This study developed a foundation for a database that contains a number of moment-rotation curves that are much needed for conducting a realistic frame analysis and design for PFRP composite structures. The dynamic evaluation provides an overall assessment on the dynamic behavior of such frames in seismic zones.