EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRENGTH OF FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER HOLLOW RECTANGULAR STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

The objective of this study is to assess the applicability of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) to a structural member. Three basic tests to assess tensile, compressive, and bending strength are carried out on the hollow rectangular CFRP structural members. In this series of experiments, 5 types of specimens, which had different thickness and direction of carbon fibers are tested. As a result, it is found that the elastic modules and the strength in compression were less than those in tension, so that the proper stiffening may be necessary for thin CFRP elements in compression. Furthermore, it is also obtained that the tensile strength has tendency to decrease as the number of lamina increases. For the further research, the development of the production process with cost efficiency, quality evaluation method, and design method must be made in order to promote CFRP materials in structural engineering.