Parametric Study on the Effects of Inclination Angle and Overlap Configuration on the Three-Point Bending Response of Tiled Laminates: A Numerical Simulation Approach

As a new type of bridge deck skin material, tiled laminates (TLs) are often subjected to bending actions in actual working conditions. This study employs a 3D progressive damage model (3D PDM) based on the Hashin damage criterion to investigate the influence of overlap configuration and inclination angle on the bending performance of tiled laminates in both elastic and non-linear stages through three-point bending (3PB) numerical simulations. The results indicate that, in the elastic stage, overlapped TLs (TLOs) exhibit a more uniform stress distribution due to their more rational geometric structure, and their bending stiffness is significantly less sensitive to the inclination angle compared to the non-overlapped TLs (TLNs). In the non-linear stage, damage in both configurations begins at the reduced section, and the ultimate midspan bending moment decreases with increasing inclination angles. Notably, cracks in the TLO configuration extend internally, enabling the structure to maintain a partial bending resistance up to failure, whereas cracks in the TLN configuration propagate externally, resulting in a rapid complete loss of structural bending performance. Furthermore, regardless of the geometric configuration and inclination degree, the final failure of the TL under bending is dominated by tensile failure. This research provides comprehensive insights into the bending mechanical behaviour of tiled laminates, offering scientific foundations for their optimised engineering design.