The effect of rivet joints on the properties of the Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) joined members

This study investigates the properties of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) rails used in low load bearing structures that are joined with rivets. The study focuses on the effect of the rivet connection on the properties of the rails rather than than focusing on joint strength. Samples were taken from commercially available products and tested for maximum stress in tension and compression. The samples were taken from the flange of a U channel to which another member was connected by rivets. After testing the resin was removed and the fibers along the edge of the rivet was examined under a microscope. The results reveal that the Young's modulus and maximum stress are higher for the webs and flanges of GFRP rails than for rails with holes and rivets. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the properties, limitation and potential applications of GFRP rails and highlights the failure mechanisms associated with their failures.