Axial load-moment interaction diagram of full-scale circular LWSCC columns reinforced with BFRP and GFRP bars and spirals: Experimental and theoretical investigations

No research has yet been reported on the behavior of lightweight-aggregate self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) columns reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars. LWSCC can be of great interest for reducing dead loads, section dimensions, and project costs, especially for precast elements. This paper presents, for the first time, the test results of a study conducted on 12 circular LWSCC columns reinforced with two types of FRP bars: basalt FRP (BFRP) and glass FRP (GFRP). In addition, columns with steel reinforcement were introduced into the test matrix as references. A mix design for the LWSCC with an equilibrium density of 1,807 kg/m3 and compressive strength of 52 MPa was developed and used to cast the columns. The columns were tested under concentric and eccentric loading. The test variables were the eccentricity-to-diameter ratio, and the type of reinforcement (steel versus GFRP and BFRP). The study was conducted to investigate whether the type of concrete and reinforcement affect the column performance and to develop the experimental load-moment interaction diagram. The load-strain behavior for the concrete, bars, and spirals; the load-deformation curves (axial and lateral); and the experimental P-M interaction diagrams are presented. An analytical study was conducted to predict the axial-flexural capacity. The effect of concrete density was considered in the analysis based on parameters in the codes for conventional and modified rectangular stress blocks. The test results indicate that the LWSCC columns with BFRP and GFRP reinforcement had behavior and strength comparable to their steel-reinforced counterparts when tested under different levels of eccentricity. The analytical results show that the column capacity was sensitive to variations in the rectangular stress-block parameters. Lastly, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating GFRP and BFRP reinforcement into lightweight-aggregate concrete would play a role in producing lighter and more durable concrete members for precast applications.

Automated summary

This study presents test results on lightweight-aggregate self-consolidating concrete columns reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, comparing the behavior and strength of FRP-reinforced columns to steel-reinforced columns. The results show that FRP-reinforced columns have comparable performance and strength to steel-reinforced columns, indicating potential cost savings and improved efficiency in precast applications.