Structural Performance of Adhesively Bonded Glass-GFRP Sandwich Beams

Abstract

This study is part of a comprehensive research to develop a better understanding of the structural performance of Glass-GFRP composite façade panels. Composite sandwich façade panels exhibit significant potential for replacing non-composite counterparts, attributed to their superior structural strength and higher stiffness. These sandwich panels not only offer higher structural efficiency but also present the opportunity for a more visually appealing façade panels, allowing for slimmer profiles and greater spans. Nevertheless, the use of composite façade panels is to be investigated more prior to being utilized in the industry. Consequently, this study focuses on the structural performance of slender composite beams comprising of two glass face sheets with a GFRP core adhesively bonded to the face sheets representing a section of a larger panel. In the first phase of this study two different beam configurations are tested comprising of two sizes of GFRP cores, with two distinct wall thicknesses which are then compared against non-composite beams. Whereas the second stage of the study comprises of the long-term behaviour of these beams when subjected to staged long-term loading. The surface strain data and midspan deflection of the beams will be obtained from the specimens.