Initial Studies of a Flexural Member Composed of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polyester Resin

Report No: 73-R3

Published in 1973

About the report:

An investigation was conducted of the structural behavior of a flexural member composed entirely of glass-fiber reinforced polyester resin. Three experimental girders were fabricated and load-tested in the laboratory. The physical characteristics of the members included a triangular cross section, a top flange built up with preformed shapes, a combination of plates and trussed strands for web elements and a lower chord consisting of multiple strands of resin-impregnated glass fibers. It was found that experimental deflections and strains were reasonably well predicted for the members by conventional analytical procedure for relatively small loads. Ultimate strength tests were precluded by failures of connections at the top flange joints. Recommendations are presented for subsequent investigations of reinforced plastic structural members.

Documents

73-R3

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Authors

Fred C. McCormick

Last updated: February 7, 2024