Glass fiber-reinforced polymer-reinforced rectangular concrete columns under simulated seismic loads

Abstract

This paper presents the results of nine concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal and transverse glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and two concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal steel bars and transverse GFRP bars. These specimens were tested under lateral cyclic quasi-static loading while simultaneously subjected to constant axial load. The influence of the volumetric ratio of stirrups, the shear span ratio and the axial load level on the behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete columns are discussed. The results showed that GFRP-reinforced concrete columns can have sufficient bearing capacity and achieve high levels of deformability. The lateral drift ratios of all the columns reached 4.08–5.06%, which meet seismic drift limitations in most building codes. The evaluation methodology of ductility coefficient may not assess the seismic deformability and resistance of GFRP-reinforced concrete columns objectively, while the integrated performance index can reflect the influence of the volumetric ratio of stirrups, the shear span ratio and the axial load on seismic performance comprehensively. The results further indicate that concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars can be successfully designed and used in seismic engineering if confined well.