Numerical and Analytical Modeling of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected to Compression Loading

ABSTRACT Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have been acknowledged by the researchers as well as practitioners in the construction industry as effective alternatives to conventional steel in a corrosive environment. However, the application of FRP bars as longitudinal reinforcement in columns has not yet gained an adequate level of confidence due to limited research studies and lack of standard design guidelines. In the past, only a few studies have focused on FRP-reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) columns under eccentric loadings. This study focused on development of a finite element model (FEM) for FRP-RC columns subjected to axial compression loadings. FEM was calibrated against the test results of studies available in the literature. A design-oriented analytical model was developed using sectional analysis to calculate the axial load and bending moment capacity of FRP-RC columns. FEM and analytical model predicted load–displacement behaviour and peak load with close agreement to the test results. Finally, a parametric analysis was accomplished to explore the effect of concrete grade, FRP-reinforcement ratio, and slenderness ratio of columns. Based on the parametric study, it is recommended to reduce the limit of slenderness ratio to 14.2 and 21.2 for concrete columns, bent in single curvature, reinforced with GFRP and CFRP bars, respectively.