Experimental and Numerical Model of Load-Bearing Capacity of GFRP Beams with Polyurethane Foam Filling

Recently in the world the use of fibre-reinforced composites, FRP, has been steadily increasing. Glass fibres are most often used as polymer reinforcement, which is GFRP. Most common ap-plication of GFRP in constructions is as an addition or replacement of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete. In this manuscript, the bearing capacity analysis was conducted through an experimental and a numerical calculation of a GFRP beam model filled with polyurethane foam, PUF. Application of polyurethane foam is very common in construction, most often as a material for sealing, filling various cavities and insulation. The results of the experimental load-bearing test of the beam model with PUF filling, showed in the force/displacement diagram and were com-pared with the results of the load-bearing test of the beam model without filling. The comparison results are shown in the dimensionless diagram. The nonlinear numerical model confirmed the experimental results. Material properties used in the nonlinear numerical model were obtained by experimental testing of samples. The results of numerical testing are presented through deformations and tensile stresses in the middle of the span.