Analysis of steel-GFRP reinforced concrete circular columns

This paper presents results from an analytical investigation of the behavior of steel reinforced concrete circular column sections with additional Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) bars. The primary application of this composite section is to relocate the plastic hinge region from the column-footing joint where repair is difficult and expensive. Mainly, the study focuses on the development of the full nominal moment-axial load (M-P) interaction diagrams for hybrid concrete sections, reinforced with steel bars as primary reinforcement, and GFRP as auxiliary control bars. A large parametric study of circular steel reinforced concrete members were undertaken using a purpose-built MATLAB(c) code. The parameters considered were amount, location, dimensions and mechanical properties of steel, GFRP and concrete. The results indicate that the plastic hinge was indeed shifted to a less critical and congested region, thus facilitating cost-effective repair. Moreover, the reinforced concrete steel-GFRP section exhibited high strength and good ductility.