EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF GFRP POLES

摘要

This paper presents the results of a test program conducted on prototypes of an alternative glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) semi-monocoque lightweight pole in order to validate a computer code developed to design this kind of structure. Four-point bending test was chosen for simplicity, since poles are mainly subjected to bending loads combined to compressive loads. Prototypes were manufactured through a combination of filament winding and pultrusion processes. Instrumentation consisted of strain-gages attached to the top and bottom of the specimens, internally on the stringers and externally on the skin. A displacement transducer was positioned at midspan to measure the maximum displacement. Load was measured by a 10-ton load cell. Test results demonstrated a fairly good agreement with the predicted design, not only for stiffness but also for strength. However, design parameters conducted to a more conservative structure, which is desirable.