Influence of geometry on failure modes of PFRP single bolted connections

This paper investigates the ultimate strength, stiffness, and failure modes of pultruded fibre-reinforced polymer (PFRP) single bolted connections subjected to tension. An experimental programme of 72 PFRP connections was conducted. The parameters of the test specimens include plate thickness, bolt diameter, edge distance, end distance and loading angle. A total of 10 different failure modes, including three new combinations of the failure modes were reported. The mechanics reasoning for those new failure modes were discussed. The strength, stiffness and failure modes were interpreted combinedly for determining the effective geometry. The test results were correlated with currently available design guidelines and existing literature for formulating the minimum geometry limitations. A new geometric ratio is proposed for connection characterisation. The appropriateness of the current design standards for minimum geometry is evaluated.