NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF FRP CONFINED RC SQUARE AND CIRCULAR COLUMNS UNDER CONCENTRIC COMPRESSION LOAD

In this study, the behavior of square and circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns confined with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites were compared using the finite element model (FEM) under axial compressive load. The different parameters are considered as the type of FRP confinement such as carbon and glass, grade of concrete, and aspect ratios of the columns. The verified model was used to study the different parameters to investigate the different geometric and materials properties on the axial capacity of the columns. The results revealed a significant increase in the strength and ductility of both the square and circular columns due to FRP confinement. The carbon FRP was slightly more effective in enhancing column strength due to their higher modulus of elasticity compared to the glass FRP. The study also found that higher grades of concrete and lower aspect ratios led to higher strength and ductility in confined columns. Overall, the study suggests that the use of FRP composites for the confinement of RC columns is a viable method for enhancing their strength and ductility. These findings can be valuable for designing and retrofitting RC columns with FRP composites in practical applications.