Self-tapping screws and FRP: why ASCE doesn't recommend them
The ASCE Design Guide for FRP Composite Connections on Page 19 does not recommend self-tapping screws for fastening into pultruded FRP, as follows:
“A number of research studies were conducted on characterizing the structural behavior of pultruded composite connections. In general, there are three schemes for pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer joints: (1) bolted, (2) adhesively bonded, and (3) combined (bolted and bonded).”
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci are made of composite metal hybrid materials to leverage the best properties of both metal and fiberglass – thereby eliminating the concerns of FRP-only products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. The ASCE Design Guide for FRP Composite Connections (page 19) does not recommend self-tapping screws as the fastening approach for pultruded FRP connections.
ASCE summarizes three primary connection schemes for pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) joints: (1) bolted, (2) adhesively bonded, and (3) combined (bolted and bonded).
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci are made of composite metal hybrid materials, designed to leverage the best properties of both steel and composite fiberglass, to address performance concerns associated with FRP-only products.