Mechanical Investigation and Durability of HDPE-confined SCC Columns Exposed to Severe Environment

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the mechanical properties and short term durability performance of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)–filled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubes with and without steel fibers. A total of 45 cylinder specimens were prepared and subjected to aggressive substances such as sulfate or acid contents. At the end of each exposure, the specimens were instrumented and tested under axial compression. Test variables included the environmental exposure conditions, tube thickness, inside diameter, tube height and steel fiber presence. The load-strain behavior was inspected to evaluate the effect of each exposure. The results indicated that peak load reduction in HDPE-confined specimens is only about 0.3-1% whereas this reduction is around 45-50% for unconfined specimens. In addition, increasing tube thickness by 30% results in up to 50% higher fracture energy. Results also indicate that steel fiber addition has little contribution (0.3-1%) in load capacity whereas the energy absorption capacity is increased up to 20%.