On the flexural behaviour of GFRP beams obtained by bonding simple panels: An experimental investigation

This paper presents some experimental results dealing with the mechanical performance of composite beams obtained by bonding Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rectangular pultruded panels by means of an epoxy structural adhesive. The flexural response of these bonded beams was compared with those obtained by the pultrusion process with the same geometrical and material properties. As a matter of fact, no significant loss of performance emerged in terms of failure load; moreover, an increase of pre-failure stiffness was observed. This result may allow us to consider bonded GFRP beams as a viable simplification within the field of composite structures.