• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.87-97
• /
• 2013

In this paper, a novel fibrous material known as axially reinforced braided composite rods (BCRs) have been developed for reinforcement of soils. These innovative materials consist of an axial reinforcement system, comprised of longitudinally oriented core fibres, which is responsible for mechanical performance and, a braided cover, which gives a ribbed surface texture for better interfacial interactions with soils. BCRs were produced using both thermosetting (unsaturated polyester) and thermoplastic (polypropylene) matrices and synthetic (carbon, glass, HT polyethylene), as well as natural (sisal) core fibres. BCRs were characterized for tensile properties and the influence of core fibres was studied. Moreover, BCRs containing carbon fibre in the core composition were characterized for piezoresistivity and strain sensing properties under flexural deformation. According to the experimental results, the developed braided composites showed tailorable and wide range of mechanical properties, depending on the core fibres and exhibited very good strain sensing behavior.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.355-368
• /
• 1997

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) rods are used as reinforcement (prestressed or not) to concrete. FRP composites can also be combined with steel to form hybrid reinforcing rods that take advantage of the properties of both materials. In order to effectively utilize these rods, their bond behavior with concrete must be understood. The objective of this study is to characterize and model the bond behavior of hybrid FRP rods made with epoxy-impregnated aramid or poly-vinyl alcohol FRP skins directly braided onto a steel core. The model closely examines the split failure of the concrete by quantifying the relationship between slip of the rods resulting transverse stress field in concrete. The model is used to derive coefficients of friction for these rods and, from these, their development length requirements. More testing is needed to confirm this model, but in the interim, it may serve as a design aide, allowing intelligent decisions regarding concrete cover and development length. As such, this model has helped to explain and predict some experimental data from concentric pull-out tests of hybrid FRP rods.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.339-353
• /
• 1997

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) rods provide certain benefits over steel as concrete reinforcement, such as corrosion resistance, magnetic and electrical insulation, light weight, and high strength. FRP composites can be combined with a steel core to form hybrid reinforcing rods that take advantage of properties of both materials. The objective of this study was to characterize the bond behavior of hybrid FRP rods made with braided epoxy-impregnated aramid or poly-vinyl alcohol FRP skins. Eleven rod types were tested using two concrete strengths. Specific topics examined were bond strength, slip, and type of failure in concentric pull-out tests from concrete cubes. From analysis of identical pull-out tests on both hybrid and steel rods, information on relative bond strength and behavior were obtained. It is concluded that strength is similar but slip in hybrid rods is much higher. Hybrid rods failed either by pull-out or splitting the concrete block (with or without yielding of the steel core). Experimental data showed consistency with similar test results presented in the literature.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
• /
• 2000.11a
• /
• pp.253-256
• /
• 2000

In order to commercialize the low cost composite fabrication technology in the area of domestic aerospace structure field, Resin Transfer Molding process has been considered as an alternative process to replace the high cost autoclave technology. The end part for the development of RTM process is the control rod of flight control system of aircraft. A braided preform was triaxially designed to improve the dimensional stability and mechanical property in the direction of external loads. Through the flow analysis using CVFEM, the resin filling time was calculated and the resin injection method was determined. The results of the flow analysis were directly applied to RTM mold design. The control rod was successfully manufactured by RTM process using internal pressure. The length and outer diameter of the manufactured part are 1148mm and 32mm, respectively.