Finite element analysis of full and partial confinement of reinforced concrete column with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)

Abstract

Nowadays, there are many strengthening method for reinforced concrete structure to provide additional strength to the structure in terms of compressive and tensile strength. Among those methods, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is one of the materials that is widely used for strengthening because of its high strength and lightness in weight. To date, the application of CFRP on columns is more focused on full CFRP confinement. Studies in partial confinement is still developing as the strength is expected to be lower than the full confinement. However, the application of partial confinement can be considered as favorable as it would result in lesser usage of CFRP material which is cost saving as well as providing ease to the wrapping process. In this study, three column models; consisting of a control (unconfined), fully confined and partially confined column models were simulated using the ABAQUS software. The objectives of this research is to validate the CFRP strengthened column model to the experimental results as well as to evaluate the compressive behavior of the full and partial CFRP confined column in comparison to the control (unconfined) model. The simulated column models were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, from the results, it shows that both confinement methods effectively enhance the strength of the column under load application. Positive findings from this paper presents that partial confinement can be developed as an alternative approach for the CFRP strengthening technique for reinforced concrete columns.