Influence of shear deformation on restrained torsional warping of pultruded FRP bars of open cross-section

Pultruded FRP bars of open cross-section possess relatively low transverse shear moduli in relation to their axial and flexural moduli. This can result in shear deformation constituting a significant proportion of the total deformation induced by non-uniform bending, and a reduction in the buckling loads of members subjected to axial compression and bending. Herein an approximate theory for quantifying the influence of shear deformation on the restrained torsional warping of pultruded FRP bars of open cross-section is presented. Contrary to expectations the theory indicates that the influence of shear deformation on the restrained warping torsional stiffness of such members is not significant. The theory is validated by a series of bending and torsion tests on three pultruded FRP I-beams.