Enhanced structural performance of pultruded GFRP trusses: Experimental and numerical insights

AKTEPE R., AKDUMAN Ş., ALDEMİR A.

ENGINEERING STRUCTURES, vol.343, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 343
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121070
  • Journal Name: ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Geobase, ICONDA Bibliographic, INSPEC, Metadex, DIALNET, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The structural performances of pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) trusses with bolted and bonded connections were investigated experimentally and numerically. Seven truss specimens with five different configurations were tested under monotonically applied four-point bending load to determine key performance parameters, including maximum load capacity, stiffness, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation capacity. These parameters were then used to assess the effects of connection configurations and member selections on truss performance. The results of the experimental study revealed that the structural performances of the connections and chord members in GFRP trusses are key factors for determining the truss's performance. When the load capacities of the connections and truss members were sufficient, the specimens could fail due to loss of stability, i.e., buckling. Additionally, finite element models were developed to investigate stress distribution, failure progression, and the impact of geometric imperfections on some of the tested truss specimens. The developed finite element models accurately predicted the behavior of the specimens, demonstrating that initial geometric imperfections could reduce the predicted maximum load capacity by up to 25 %.