Thermoplastic beams are currently being used primarily in marine and waterfront applications, and can be used in bridges and buildings. A summary is presented of an experimental and theoretical study of the flexural behavior of a commercially available thermoplastic beam known as Seatimber with simple supports and subjected to a gradually increasing midspan concentrated load. Theoretical predictions are based on a non-linear moment-curvature analysis coupled with a central finite-difference scheme. Simplified criteria for a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach is outlined and its use demonstrated through analysis and design examples.
Razzaq, Z., Prabhakaran, R. and Sirjani, M.B. ( 1996). Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Approach for Reinforced-Plastic Channel Beam Buckling, Composites Engineering International Journal, Part B, 27B, pp. 361-369, Great Britian.
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Sirjani, M.B. and Razzaq, Z. (2005). Stability of FRP Beams under Three-point Loading and LRFD Approach, Journal of Reinforced Plastics & Composites, 24(18): 1921-1927.
