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Report Details

Abstract

This report presents an initial investigation of the mechanics of I-beams developed with plastic-aluminum composite technology. Plastic-aluminum composites in structural beam/frame/truss elements are a relatively new concept that has seen little, if any, application in modern construction. This technology has considerable potential to add innovative choices to the array of materials currently available in the construction industry. Several new tests were designed and performed on different portions of the beams, including Push-Through and Knit-Line Pull tests, and tensile tests per ASTM D638-10. Results of these tests showed increased strength with an increase of talc filler content and also showed that the addition of a metal deactivator additive to the plastic results in a slight increase in strength. Duration of Load tests were performed per ASTM D7031-04 and none of the beams tested exhibit tertiary creep. The I-beams investigated here use an internal shear connector (deboss), which acts as a mechanical fastener between the aluminum and flange plastic. A numerical finite element model was developed in ABAQUS to better understand the underlying physics of the deboss and was compared with a Push-Through test specimen. Results from the model closely match experimental results and the model can be used to predict within 10% the load per deboss region that can be resisted before the plastic begins to yield and extensively deform. This model can be used for differing deboss geometries and any plastic with known material properties. Overall, the results of this research support potential future research involving a more in-depth investigation of this innovative, new class of material technology for use as a structural material.

How to Cite

Peterson, Kirsten, and Paul R. Heyliger. Plastic-Aluminum Composites in Transportation Infrastructure, MPC-17-324. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2017.