PVC and POM gripping mechanisms for tension testing of FRP bars

Abstract

The present study pertains to the introduction of two new types of grip adaptor for universal testing machines, namely Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyoxymethylene (POM) grip adaptors, and their application to tension testing of FRP bars with different fiber and surface finish types. The tabs are connected to the FRP bar sample with the help of mechanical anchors, i.e. bolts. These new adaptors offer vital superiorities over the existing end tab designs (anchors with filling material or mechanical anchorage), including the reduction in the time and labor for production, reusability and the mild nature, i.e. low hardness of the tab material, which retards and even prevents peeling and crushing in the gripping regions of an FRP sample. The methods were successfully applied to FRP bars with different types of fiber (CFRP, GFRP and BFRP) and different types of surface texture (ribbed, wrapped, sand-coated and wound). The test results indicated that the both types of end caps prevented slip of the bar, crushing and peeling in the gripping zone. The mechanical properties from the material tests with the new caps were in perfect agreement with the ones from the material tests with steel tubular caps.