ABSTRACT
This paper presents experimental results of a research project into the performance of a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite slab that spans in two directions. The slab was created as a sandwich structure with a central core made from a particulate filled resin. The glass/vinylester skins are adhesively bonded to the top and bottom of the core. The experimental testing program, described in this paper, studies the behaviour and performance of the two-way FRP composite slab. The slab was first tested in fatigue to 1,000,000 cycles at a frequency of 1.5 Hz with the load varying between 10 kN to 70 kN. Straight after that it was loaded to failure. Results from the cyclic load test indicate no loss in stiffness up to 1,000,000 cycles. The ultimate mode of failure of the slab was punching shear. In addition, a finite element model of the experiments was developed to predict the behaviour of the slab. The results from the FE model showed good correlation with deflection and strains measured during the tests.
