Deformation and failure of GFRP structural members under bending and torsional loads

In order to evaluate behaviors of special protection structures constructed by Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) components under excitations as earthquake and wind, laboratory tests of GFRP members and connectors were conducted to obtain some performance data. Test results were further used to backculate the fundamental characters, as bending and torsion rigidities, elastic modulus and load-deformation models of the connector at various loading types, of the GFRP member and connectors. The accuracy of these calibrated parameters was verified by applying the function of a finite element code to predict the deformation of structure members at various loading conditions and compares with the experimental results. These calibrated parameters will be used in the construction of numerical analysis model of structures composed of these types of GFRP members and connectors.