Synergistic Performance Degradation of Marine Structural Elements: Case Study of Polymer-Based Composite and Steel Hybrid Double Lap Joints

Abstract The degradation of structures under the influence of a marine environment tends to be rapid and disruptive compared to that of structures that are far away from these influences. Efforts to consider these impacts in the design phase are increasing, with a view to the construction of more sustainable structures. However, experimental data from which designers and builders can benefit cannot be found in the relevant literature, especially when it comes to the effects of composite degradation. In this study, we experimentally investigate the combined effects of degradation factors such as a drying-wetting cycle, the shape of the structure, the variety of materials used in the structure, and the differences in the manufacturing of the materials . The structure chosen as an example is a hybrid structural double lap joint composed of epoxy resin, fibreglass composite, and steel, which is widely used in ship structures. The experiments considered four aging periods (zero, 30, 60 and 90 days) under a wet-dry cycle in a programmable corrosion chamber, two overlap lengths (short and long), two surface roughnesses of the steel parts (50 and 90 μm), and two surface preparation alternatives (uncoated and coated with epoxy primer). The synergistic effects of these parameters on the tensile strength, deformation and toughness of the joints were evaluated, and suggestions are made for ship designers. The attention of interested parties, and particularly ship designers, is drawn to the comparative effects of these degradation agents on performance.