Development and Characterization of Guard Rail using Glass Fiber Composite with Secondary Inter Laminar Nanofiber Reinforcements

This research investigates the development and mechanical characterization of a novel composite-based guard rail using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) integrated with secondary inter laminar nanofiber reinforcements. Traditional materials such as steel and iron, widely used for highway guard rails, present challenges in terms of corrosion resistance, weight, and long-term maintenance. In contrast, GFRP materials offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, excellent resistance to corrosion, and lower lifecycle costs, making them ideal for structural applications like highway safety barriers. This study involves the manufacturing of composite specimens using both hand lay-up and Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) techniques. Specimens were fabricated using three types of glass fibers (200 GSM, 220 GSM, and 300 GSM) and subjected to tensile tests using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The introduction of electro spun nanofibers between glass fiber layers was explored to mitigate delamination and improve inter laminar fracture toughness. Experimental data were further validated through numerical simulations performed in ANSYS. The results demonstrated that the 200 GSM glass fiber composite, particularly when fabricated using the VARTM technique with nanofiber reinforcement, exhibited the highest tensile strength and improved mechanical behavior compared to other variants. This study substantiates the potential of nanofiber-reinforced GFRP composites as a high-performance, lightweight, and durable alternative for traditional metalbased guard rail systems in transportation infrastructure. Major Findings: The study found that 200 GSM glass fibre composites exhibited the highest tensile strength among all tested variants. The incorporation of electro spun nanofibers significantly improved inters laminar strength and reduced delamination. VARTM fabrication provided better material consistency and mechanical performance compared to the hand lay-up method.