Finite Element Modeling for Deflection and Bending Responses of GFRP Poles

Abstract

The use of the tapered glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) poles are well recognized as an alternative for traditional materials such as wood, steel, and concrete, in overhead power lines and distribution aerial networks. The current research work aims to assess the general behaviors of lightweight GFRP poles structures. A nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis is carried out to address the nonlinear behavior of tapered GFRP poles under lateral loads. The numerical results of the program are verified with the experimental results conducted on full-scale GFRP poles. The GFRP poles are fabricated using the filament winding technique; E-glass fiber and Epoxy resin are utilized for manufacturing these poles. There is very satisfactory agreement between the numerical results and the experimental results in terms of load-deflection relationship and ultimate load carrying capacity. The FE model was used to detect the performance of GFRP poles having service openings (holes). Several FE simulations with different combinations of parameters, such as fiber orientation, number of layers and thickness of layers, were employed. Evaluation of the deflection and bending strength characteristics of GFRP Poles (20, 33, 35 and 40 ft height) are presented. Optimum new designs for three zones along the height of the GFRP poles are proposed, under equivalent wind load. The ultimate load carrying capacity and flexural stiffness are improved with a significant saving in the weight by utilizing this design.

Keywords

finite element modeling FRP structural shapes FRP poles flexural behaviour filament winding.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ibrahim, S. and Polyzois, D. (1999). Ovalization Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Plastic Poles, Composite Structures, 45: 7-12.

Miller, M.F. , Hosford, G.S. and Boozer III, J.F. (1995). Fiberglass Distribution Poles: A Case of Study, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 10(1): 497-503.

Ibrahim, S. , Polyzois, D. and Hassan, S. (2000). Development of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Poles for Transmission and Distribution Lines, Can. J. Civ. Eng., 27: 850-858.

McClure, G. , Boire, L. and Carriere, G.-C. (1992). Applications of Advanced Composite Materials in Overhead Power Lines and Telecommunications Structures, Advanced Composite Materials in Bridges and Structures, K.W. Neale and P. Labossiere (eds), pp. 543-549, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.

Polyzois, D. , Ibrahim, S. and Raftoyiannis , I.G. (1999 ). Performance of Fiber-Reinforced plastic Tapered Poles Under Lateral Loading , Journal of Composite Materials, 33(10): 941-960.

Polyzois, D. , Raftoyiannis, I.G. and Ibrahim, S. (1998). Finite Element method for the Dynamic Analysis of Tapered Composite Poles , Journal of Composite Structures, 43: 25-34.

Masmoudi, R. , and Metiche, S. (2006). Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of the Flexural Behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Poles , accepted for publication in Journal of Composite Materials , p. 26.

Masmoudi, R. and Mohamed, H. (2006). Finite Element Modeling of FRP-Filament Winded Poles, Third International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering (CICE 2006), December, Miami, Florida , USA.

Lin, Z.M. (1995). Analysis of Pole-type Structures of Fibre-reinforced Plastics by Finite Element Method, PhD Thesis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

10.

Tsai, S.W. and Wu, E.M. (1971). A General Theory of Strength for Anisotropic Materials , Journal of Composite Materials, 5: 58-80.

11.

Adams, R.D. (1987). Damping Properties Analysis of Composites, Engineering Materials Handbook, Composites, T. J. Reinhart et al., and ASM International (eds), Vol. 1, p. 983, ASM International, pp. 206-217. Materials Park, Ohio.

12.

Gay, D. (1989). Matériaux Composites, Paris , 2e edition, Hermes, p. 485.

13.

Adina (2004). Theory and Modeling Guide, Volume I, Chapter 3, Version 8.2. ADINA R&D Inc., Watertown, MA, USA.

14.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AASHTO (2001). Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals.

15.

American National Standard Institute, ANSI ( 2005). Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Lighting Poles, American National Standard for Roadway Lighting Equipment, USA, ANSI C 136.

16.

American Society for Testing and Materials ( 2001). Standard Specification for Reinforced Thermosetting Plastic Poles, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, D 4923 - 01, USA.

17.

Mil-Hdbk-17-3F , (2002). Department of Defense, Handbook, Composite Materials Handbook, Vol. 3, Polymer Matrix Composites Materials Usage, Design, and Analysis, USA.