Effect of Hole Diameter on Compressive Strength of Unidirectional AFRP Application of Two Failure Criteria

Static compression tests of unidirectional AFRP with a circular hole are carried out. The experimental result shows that the compressive strength of unidirectional AFRP containing a circular hole depends on the hole diameter. As the hole diameter increases, the compressive strength tends to be lower in spite of a decrease in the stress concentration factor α_r. A good agreement between the experimental and the predicted compressive strength is observed by the application of two failure criteria. For the specimen with small hole diameter, the strength can be predicted by the Soutis' theory based on the stress distribution around the hole and linear fracture mechanics. For the specimen with large hole diameter, the strength can be predicted by the point-stress criterion (d₀ —1.5 mm). Finally, the failure mechanism of the unidirectional AFRP subjected to compressive loads is discussed.