Size effect on the compressive behavior of BFRP RC circular columns: Experiments and a size-dependent stress-strain model

Abstract

To investigate the size effect on compressive performance of circular concrete columns reinforced with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and spirals, nine geometrically similar columns were fabricated and tested under concentric compression. The variables tested were cross-sectional diameters (200, 400, and 600 mm) and transverse reinforcement ratios (1.2%, 2.2%, and 3.3%). The results evidently indicated the size effect on the confined strength, corresponding strain and deterioration rate (in the post-peak branch) of concrete core confined by BFRP spirals. Specifically, with the cross-sectional diameter changing from 200 mm to 600 mm, the maximum decreases in the confined strength and corresponding strain were 14.1% and 31.9%, respectively, while the maximum increase in the deterioration rate was 318%. In addition, the size effect on confined strength could be weakened with the increase of transverse reinforcement ratio. Increasing the transverse reinforcement ratio could enhance the load-carrying capacity as well as effectively increase the confinement strength and ductility. Finally, a size-dependent stress–strain model, which considers the size effect of confined strength, corresponding strain and deterioration rate, was developed for evaluating the confined behavior of FRP RC columns.