Material tests report - Wrapped Composite Joints project

Abstract

Interest in composites for application in Civil Engineering structures, has seen significant increase in recent years. From composite repairs on existing structures from concrete or structural steel, to composite decks in bridges or even structures made solely out of fibre reinforced composites, the structural industry is following the already existing trend in automotive and aerospace industry where composite solutions present a great potential that traces back to 1960’s. Within this framework the Wrapped Composite Joints project, under Dr. M. Pavlovic, attempts to bring the composites technology to jacket designs of offshore wind turbines and replace the traditional welding technology that is used for connecting the steel tubular members of the jacket frame. Higher stiffness, more sustainable and lightweight design due to reduced steel weight and most importantly higher fatigue resistance are just some of the benefits that the developing technology brings in the structure. Developing a new technology especially when a novel material solution is used, requires robust knowledge of the inherent material as well as bond properties. For this experimental testing series should take place along different structural levels. Goal of such experimental series is to investigate the capabilities of the material as well as the assembled components up to total failure.
In the current Additional graduation work a coupon testing series comprising of different standard test methods, part of the Wrapped Composite joints project is presented. Aim of this study is the establishment of fundamental material elastic as well as fracture properties for the composite layup used in the project. Outcomes of the experimental study will be used as input for the realistic representation of the material and the bonded interface through Finite Element Models(FEM) of several scales, from small specimens to large and full scale Joints.