Study on Shear Behaviors and Damage Assessment of Circular Concrete Short Columns Reinforced with GFRP Bars and Spiral Stirrups

This study investigated the shear resistance and damage evolution of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete short columns. Five circular concrete short columns reinforced with GFRP bars and spiral stirrups were fabricated and tested under lateral thrust in the laboratory. The test variables involved the stirrup reinforcement ratio, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the type of stirrups. The failure modes, load-displacement curves, strain responses and crack characteristics of these columns were documented and discussed. The accuracy of shear design equations in predicting shear capacity of such columns was evaluated. In addition, the digital image correlation (DIC) instrument was used to identify the full-field strain and damage zones of circular concrete short columns. Several smart aggregate (SA) transducers coupled to the surface of these columns were used to monitor its damage status. The energy ratio index (ERI) and the damage index based on smart aggregate were established to characterize damage level of such columns. The test results indicate that the shear capacity is improved 5.6% and 31.1% and the lateral ultimate displacement is increased 67.7% and 400% as the stirrup reinforcement ratio of the concrete short column is increased from 0 to 0.19% and 0.47%, respectively. The shear capacity equation proposed by Ali and his co-workers, considering a strain limit of 0.004Efv, gives accurate predictions of the shear capacity of circular concrete short columns reinforced with GFRP bars and spiral stirrups. The variation in ERI values is explained by the development of damage zones of the column obtained with DIC technology and with the proposed damage index based on the smart aggregate it is feasible to evaluate the damage level of circular short concrete columns.

Automated summary

This study investigated the shear resistance and damage evolution of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete short columns. The effects of stirrup reinforcement ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and stirrup type on the behavior of the columns were examined. The study found that increasing the stirrup reinforcement ratio significantly improved the shear capacity and lateral ultimate displacement of the columns. The accuracy of shear design equations in predicting shear capacity was also evaluated, and a viable method for evaluating the damage level of the columns was proposed using digital image correlation and smart aggregate technology.