CHARACTERIZATION OF 3D GEOMETRICAL IMPERFECTIONS OF PULTRUDED GFRP PROFILES: INTRODUCTION OF A NOVEL METHODOLOGY

The lack of reliable design guidelines is hindering the use of pultruded glass-fiber reinforced polymer (pGFRP) profiles, despite their many advantages, e.g., non-corrodibility and high strength-to-weight ratio. Initial geometrical imperfections (GIs) are a critical factor in determining the post-buckling behaviour of these profiles, directly affecting their design. The aim of this study is to present an experimental methodology to characterize the GIs of pGFRP profiles to improve the prediction of their structural behaviour. The GIs are measured using a 3D contact coordinate-measuring machine (CMM), allowing for a statistical analysis of their shapes and amplitudes for various cross-sections.