The influence of sheeting made by sandwich panels on the lateral-torsional buckling resistance of hot rolled purlin was studied in this paper. The actual shear and torsional stiffness as well as resistance of connections between sandwich panel and purlins were considered in analysis. Parameters of these factors were determined using the finite element method, as well as by own experimental tests. Simple models with beam elements were used in LBA analysis to calculate the critical moments of the purlins. Advanced models with GMNIA analysis using shell elements was performed to simulate the behaviour of the purlins stabilized by sandwich panels. The results show that the stiffness of sheeting made by sandwich panels is insufficient to ensure the full protection of purlin against lateral-torsional buckling. The connections resistance also limited the ability of purlins stabilisation. Nevertheless including sandwich panels in purlin stability analysis results in a significant increase in their LTB resistance.

The paper describes studies on the influence of humidity on the electrical resistance of a textile sensor made of carbon fibres. The concept of the sensor refers to externally bonded fibre reinforcement commonly used for strengthening of structures, however the zig-zag arrangement of carbon fibre tow allows for measuring its strain. The sensor tests showed its high sensitivity to the temperature and humidity changes which unfavourably affects the readings and their interpretation. The influence of these factors must be compensated. Due to the size of the sensor, there is not possible electrical compensation by the combining of “dummy” sensors into the half or full Wheatstone bridge circuit. Only mathematical compensation based on known humidity resistance functions is possible. The described research is the first step to develop such relations. The tests were carried out at temperatures of 10°C, 20°C, 30°C and humidity in the range of 30-90%.