Probabilistic Based Design of FRP Structures

This thesis presents the results of an analytical probabilistic based design procedure for concentrically loaded compression members and simply supported beams of fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite materials. Resistance factors for use in an LRFD format are developed for columns for both flexural buckling and local buckling of doubly symmetric sections, both flexural buckling and flexural-torsional buckling of equal leg angles, and material failure. Resistance factors are developed for lateral-torsional buckling of simply supported doubly symmetric beams loaded with concentrated vertical loads at mid-spans. The developed resistance factors are a function of the coefficient of variation of the appropriate material properties. The proposed resistance factors were determined to provide a reliability index of 3.0 for stability failure modes and a reliability index of 3.5 for the material failure mode.