Load-carrying capacity of GFRP bars under combined axial force–transverse force loading

In several applications, glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) bars are loaded with a transverse force while they simultaneously carry an axial force. Short-term tests of combined axial and transverse loading on assemblies consisting of one GFRP bar and two steel sleeves are described in this paper. The results show that the axial force capacity of the GFRP bar is affected only if the transverse force exceeds a certain threshold. A qualitative fracture criterion for combined axial force–transverse force loading is suggested. Further combined axial force–transverse force loading tests have been conducted on a specimen with a severe, forced 4° bending misalignment. These misaligned GFRP bars sustained more than 80% of the tensile resistance of the corresponding straight bars (without misalignment).