Abstract
This research investigates the application of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in monitoring the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process for the production of a 15m flax-reinforced polyester footbridge. The footbridge employs a continuous cross-section with a sandwich construction. The fibers in the upper and lower faces, and the vertical webs, are oriented in various directions. Contrary to the classic face-core-face sandwich panel, the footbridge is infused as one element. Fibers are wrapped around polyurethane foam cores serving as non-structural permanent formwork. The foam core guarantees that debonding is prevented especially in the connection areas, making it difficult for resin dominated crack propagation to occur. However, high temperatures can develop while curing in this two-flanged web structure due to the insulation properties of the foam cores used as permanent formwork that confine the webs from both sides. This study takes into account critical quality parameters such as residual strains, voids presence, and peak exotherm temperatures. A careful material selection was also carried out. Temperatures and residual strains were monitored throughout the production process, during injection and curing, for a total of 7 days. A summary of the results at several sensor points is provided with a discussion.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 26 Aug 2024 |
Event | IASS Symposium 2024 Redefining the Art of Structural Design - ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland Duration: 26 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024 https://iass2024.org/web/ |
Conference
Conference | IASS Symposium 2024 Redefining the Art of Structural Design |
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Abbreviated title | IASS 2024 |
Country/Territory | Switzerland |
City | Zurich |
Period | 26/08/24 → 30/08/24 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP)
- FBG sensors
- VARTM
- footbridges
- natural fibers
- TEMPERATURE MONITORING
- bio-composites
- residual stresses