Experimental investigation of novel pre-tightened teeth connection technique for composite tube

Fei Li, Qilin Zhao*, Haosen Chen, Longxing Xu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A new composite tube connection method called the pre-tightened teeth connection technique is proposed to improve the composite tube connection efficiency. This paper first introduces the manufacturing process of the proposed technique. It then outlines how the mechanical properties of this technology were tested using four test groups. The factors that influence the load-bearing capacity and damage model of the connection were analyzed, and finally, the transfer load mechanism was investigated. The following conclusions can be obtained from the research results. (1) The new technique improves the compressive connection efficiency by a maximum of 79%, with the efficiency exceeding that of adhesive connections of the same thickness. (2) Changing the depth of teeth results in two types of damage: local compressive damage and shear damage. The bearing capacity can be improved by increasing the depth, length, and number of teeth as well as the pre-tightening force. (3) The capacity of the technique to transfer high loads is a result of both the relatively high interlaminar shear strength of the pultruded composite and the interlaminar shear strength increase provided by the pre-tightening force. The proposed technique shows favorable mechanical properties, and therefore, it can be extensively applied in the engineering field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)161-172
Number of pages12
JournalSteel and Composite Structures
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Feb 2017

Keywords

  • Composite tube
  • Connection efficiency
  • Influence factors
  • Pre-tightened teeth connection

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