Analysis of FRP wrapped concrete columns under uniaxial compression

Abstract

Fiber wrapping or encasement of columns with fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) sheets significantly enhances strength and ductility of concrete columns. To investigate the behavior of concrete columns confined by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets under uniaxial compression, analytical models were solved using Finite Element Method (FEM) against published experimental data. Cross sections of concrete columns in the analysis are categorized into circular, square and rectangular sections. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can effectively simulate the behavior of concrete columns confined by FRP sheets when the proper numerical model is adopted. Results from a series of the analysis on small-scale specimens showed that confinement increased strength (20-25%) and ductility of concrete columns loaded axially. ANSYS (version 6.0) offers a series of very robust nonlinear capabilities for designs and analyses.