Post-fire failure mechanisms of seawater-accelerated weathering composites for coastal and marine structures

This paper is the first to examine the mechanical characteristics and the failure mechanisms of seawater-accelerated weathering GFRP composites followed by low intensity fire/heat damage. This work was done to understand how environmental conditions in a marine environment affected mechanical properties before and after low intensity fire damage. E-glass/vinylester composite specimens of angle-ply [±45°/mat]2s and cross-ply [0/90°]3s used in marine and offshore applications were exposed and tested. The effect of fire-induced damage under low heat fluxes (10, 20, and 30 kW/m2) on strength and modulus before and after 120 days of seawater exposure (freeze-thaw cycling in saline solution) is experimentally investigated. A total of 162 samples were tested for shear, tension, and compression. The fabric architectures and seawater exposure influence the post-fire residual properties. A time-dependent mechanical response (pre/post fire exposure) is also presented.