Compressive Behavior of FRP Grid-Reinforced UHPC Tubular Columns

In this study, a novel form of tubular columns that is made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) internally reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grid (herein referred to as FRP grid-UHPC tubular column) was developed. The axial compression test results of FRP grid-UHPC tubular columns with and without in-filled concrete are presented and discussed. Effects of the number of the FRP grid-reinforcing cages, the presence of in-filled concrete, and the presence of external FRP confinement were investigated. The test results confirmed that the FRP-UHPC tubular columns have a satisfactory compressive strength, and the strength and ductility of FRP-confined concrete-filled FRP grid-UHPC tube columns are enhanced due to the confinement from the FRP wrap. The proposed FRP grid-reinforced UHPC composite tubes are attractive in structural applications as pipelines or permanent formworks for columns, as well as external jackets (can be prefabricated in the form of two halves of tubes) for strengthening deteriorated reinforced concrete columns.