Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation of Web-Crippling Behavior of Pultruded GFRP Profiles Under Localized One-Flange Loading
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Over the past two decades, pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) profiles have gained popularity in civil engineering due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and low maintenance. However, owing to the considerably lower stiffness and strength in the transverse direction and wall slenderness, pultruded GFRP profiles are prone to web crippling failure. Because this phenomenon is complex, drafting reliable guidelines for web-crippling has been a challenging issue. Finite element (FE) numerical simulations have been identified as a promising design-oriented analytical tool, although few studies have been able to accurately predict experimental results, and only for few design scenarios [1]. These numerical models, once validated, can be used in parametric studies and the results obtained can help to formulate design guidelines and specifications. In this context, this paper presents the development of FE models for the simulation of web-crippling tests of pultruded GFRP profiles under end-one-flange loading (EOF) and interior-one-flange (IOF) loading conditions. Two damage progression models were used: (i) the ABAQUS software built-in model; and (ii) a recently proposed tridimensional model [2]. In addition, geometrically non-linear analysis was also considered to better understand the buckling-crushing interaction phenomena. The numerical results are compared to experimental data in terms of load vs. deflection curves and strain distributions.