Simplified Material Solution for Orthotropic Symmetrical GFRP Laminates for Structural Facades

Abstract

GFRP (glass-fiber-reinforced polymer), as a composite material, possesses many favorable properties including high strength and low weight and is amenable to unique processing methods; therefore, it is a potential free-form surface material. However, the complex design theory owing to anisotropy limits its application. *us, a simplified material solution becomes significant. In this study, the strength and stiffness of orthotropic symmetrical GFRP laminates are derived theoretically, and a simplified material solution is proposed to simplify the anisotropy as isotropy. *en, using the numerical simulation of an actual orthotropic symmetrical GFRP laminate free-form facade structure, the effectiveness of the simplified material solution is analyzed and evaluated. *is solution can provide guidance for similar GFRP facades and further promote the application of GFRP in engineering.