Failure of GFRP channel section beams subjected to bending - Numerical and experimental investigations

The paper concerns an analysis of four-point bending tests of C-shaped profile beam built of 8-ply GFRP. Six different arrangements of layers were taken into consideration: [0/-45/45/90]S, [90/-45/45/0]S, [90/0/90/0]S, [0/90/0/90]S, [45/-45/45/-45]S, [45/-45/90/0]S. To compare experimental results, numerical simulations of investigated columns in Ansys 16.2 software were carried out. In addition, tests of bending on samples were recorded using ARAMIS® system. For assessing the failure in numerical simulations, the following criteria were used: Inverse of Tsai-Wu, Maximum Stress and Hashin's criterion. For the arrangement of layers [0/-45/45/90]S the damage assessment were performed with the use of macroscopic observations, non-destructive testing with the use of ultrasonic techniques, X-ray computed microtomography, and microscopic examination with the use of stereoscopic, optical and scanning electron microscopy.