Investigation of key column parameters on compressive behavior of concrete-filled FRP tubes

Abstract

A comprehensive experimental program has been underway at the Structures Laboratory of the University of Adelaide to investigate the behavior of concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) under concentric compression. This paper presents the results from a group of selected circular CFFTs and discusses the influence of the critical column parameters on the compressive behavior of CFFTs. These parameters include: concrete strength, amount and type of FRP tube material, manufacturing method of the tubes, and size of the CFFTs. Results indicate that concrete strength and the amount and type of tube material significantly affect the behavior of CFFTs. The manufacture method of FRP tube also has some, but less significant, influence on the behavior of CFFTs. The influence of specimen size has been found to be small. No apparent difference has been found between the compressive behaviors of circular CFFTs and companion FRP-wrapped cylinders.