Thesis
Creep behavior of a wood-polypropylene composite
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2005
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/363
Abstract
Wood-plastic composites offer an inherently durable product well suited for many structural applications. However, their widespread use in engineered applications has been restricted due to a limited understanding of mechanical and time-dependent behavior. The static behavior of this material was evaluated in tension, compression, and flexure. Moment-curvature analysis, utilizing non-linear tensile and compressive constitutive relations, was used to predict the performance and stress distribution of a full-scale flexural member. Short-term creep tests were used to provide insight into the pure mode time-dependent behavior. This test data was also used to infer long-term performance using an accelerated characterization procedure (i.e., TTSSP). It was found that this material exhibits strong non-linear behavior and is sensitive to both the mode and magnitude of the applied load. Findley's stress-independent power law model can be used to accurately represent the creep behavior of this material. At design level stresses, tensile creep impacts the long-term performance of a flexural member more so than compressive creep. Experimental results indicate that this material offers a good balance of strength and stiffness and can be utilized in structural applications if serviceability limitations are addressed. Improvements in section design and/or tensile reinforcement could lead to more efficient material utilization and improved performance.
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Details
- Title
- Creep behavior of a wood-polypropylene composite
- Creators
- Ryan Gregory Kobbe
- Contributors
- Michael P. Wolcott (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525009501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis