A comparative study of concrete columns reinforced with steel and GFRP bars

Abstract

In the world of structural and construction engineering, construction industry has been widely adapting new techniques along with advanced materials. These new techniques and advanced materials have lots of advantages over the long term of structures, serviceability, durability, ductility, strength, resistance, etc. When steel is used in marine environments, it corrodes quickly, which leads to damage of the structure. Hence Fiber Reinforced polymers can/replace steel partially or completely in RCC structures. In this study, short circular RCC columns made up of M20 grade concrete and reinforced with steel and GFRP bars are subjected to uniaxial compression is studied. In the experimental study, three short circular concrete columns reinforced completely with steel rebar and with 50% steel and 50% GFRP bar are cast and tested under concentric uniaxial compression. The behaviour of short circular concrete columns completely with steel as longitudinal reinforcement is compared with that of concrete columns reinforced with 50% steel and 50% GFRP bars. The compressive strength and ductility of short circular concrete columns reinforced 50% steel and 50% GFRP bars are found to be higher than columns with 100% steel reinforcement.