PREDICTION OF NON-LINEAR RESPONSE OF FRP COLUMNS

Abstract

External confinement by wrapping of FRP sheets provides a very effective method for retrofit of reinforced (RC) columns subject to either static or seismic loads. However accurate models for the behavior of FRP wrapped columns is still required for reliable and cost-effective design. In this thesis an effort was made to study the response of FRP wrapped square columns to various parameters affecting the behavior of the column. The parametric study was carried out using Finite Element Method (FEM).The parameters include grade of concrete, elastic modulus of concrete and thickness of the FRP sheet. As confirmed by the experimental results, finite element analysis (FEA) can effectively simulate the behavior of square columns. The results from the FEA showed a bilinear stress strain curve of confined concrete as has been observed by experimental results and the also the post peak strengl11 lne square columns due to the ductility provided by the FRP sheet. The stress concentration at the edges was also observed. The results provide us with an insight of the response of confined concrete when subjected to axial loading.