@inproceedings{638e1006d0dd450abaa520616964b6b9,
title = "Fractographic analysis of the effects of combined natural weathering and seawater on the performance of GFRE pipes",
abstract = "The use of glass fiber reinforced Epoxy (GFRE) pipes for seawater and crude oil handling and transportation in Saudi Arabia is hindered by the lack of reliable engineering data on the durability of these pipes when exposed to harsh Arabian Gulf outdoor environment. This paper presents a study of the effects of natural outdoor weather and seawater on tensile and creep (stress rupture) behavior of GFRE materials. Exposure of seawater filled pipes to Saudi outdoor environment for periods ranging from 6 to 12 months has resulted in a drastic reduction of tensile and stress rupture strengths of the materials. Fractographic analysis of unexposed specimens showed a combination of mode I and mode II failure characterized by inclined hackles as well as large amount of fiber breakage. High temperature and moisture absorption decreased fiber-matrix interface strength and caused degradation at the fiber level resulting in lower strength and stiffness of the GFRE.",
keywords = "Creep, Fractography, Hackles, Mode I, Mode II, Seawater, Tensile",
author = "N. Merah and S. Nizamuddin and Z. Khan and F. Al-Sulaiman and M. Mehdi",
year = "2009",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781617382277",
series = "12th International Conference on Fracture 2009, ICF-12",
pages = "645--654",
booktitle = "12th International Conference on Fracture 2009, ICF-12",
}