Structural performance assessment of beam-to-column sleeve connections for pultruded GFRP SHS: A comparative investigation
Journal of Building Engineering, cilt.131, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 131
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.117290
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Building Engineering
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Connection, Mechanical testing, Pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer, Sleeve connection, Square hollow section
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Despite the superior properties of the pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), their connections are critical weak points due to high stress concentrations and the inherently orthotropic and brittle nature of GFRP. This makes connection detailing the most critical aspect of structural design. Additionally, hollow structural sections, particularly square hollow sections (SHS), are increasingly preferred for pultruded GFRP structures due to their superior torsional rigidity and improved mechanical behavior. Therefore, proper connection detailing for pultruded GFRP SHS profiles is essential for achieving reliable and resilient structural systems. In this study, 12 full-scale beam-to-column connections representing six distinct configurations, i.e., comprising steel sleeve, cuff, bolted, screwed, and adhesively bonded systems, were experimentally and numerically investigated under monotonic and quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. The failure modes, load-displacement curves, moment-rotation curves, energy dissipation capacities, equivalent viscous damping ratios, stiffness degradation curves, and ductility indices were compared. Additionally, the connections were classified by rotational stiffness in accordance with Eurocode 3. The obtained results were discussed to analyze the influence of connection length, sleeve and cuff configurations, connection techniques (bolting, screwing, and adhesive bonding), and end and back plate bonding on overall connection performance.