Testing and characterization of thick hybrid fibre composites laminates

A hybrid Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite for bridge girder application is now being developed in Japan. The innovative feature of this composite girder optimises the combined use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) for maximum structural performance while minimising the production cost. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effective mechanical properties of the flanges and web of the hybrid FRP composite girder. As test standards and equipment for thick composite laminates is unavailable, tensile and compressive test methods from accepted and existing test standards for FRP composites were adopted and modified to characterise the mechanical properties of hybrid FRP laminates. The results showed that the modified test set-up and equipment provided reliable data which can represent the strength and elastic modulus of the hybrid FRP composites. The elastic modulus obtained from the coupon tests compared well with the values predicted using the Classical Lamination Theory (CLT).

► The mechanical properties of thick FRP laminates were determined from test of coupon specimens.
► Modified test equipment provided reliable mechanical properties of the hybrid FRP composites.
► Coupon tests results compared well with the predicted values from Classical Lamination Theory.