An experimental and numerical evaluation on the strength and the stiffness of web–flange junctions of pultruded composites profiles

This paper presents experimental and numerical results of the first phase of a multi-phase comprehensive joint research program between University of Salerno, Italy, and the University of California, Irvine, USA, on investigating one of the major structural issues that defines the strength limit-state of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) profiles. Specifically, the strength and stiffness of the web-flange junction (WFJ) of the majority of commercially-produced pultruded composite profiles. 3-D finite element models were also developed to predict the behavior of these specimens. The results from the numerical models were compared to those obtained from the experimental program and found to be satisfactory