Testing and modeling of a novel FRP-encased steel–concrete composite column

A composite column consisting of steel, concrete and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is presented and assessed through experimental testing and analytical modeling. The composite column utilizes a glass FRP (GFRP) composite tube that surrounds a steel I-section, which is subsequently filled with concrete. The GFRP tube acts as a stay-in-place form in addition to providing confinement to the concrete. This study investigates the behavior of the proposed composite columns under axial loading. A total of seven specimens were tested. The influence of concrete shrinkage on the compressive behavior of the composite columns was also investigated. Significant confinement and composite action resulted in enhanced compressive behavior. The addition of a shrinkage reducing agent was found to further improve the compressive behavior of the composite columns. An analytical model was developed to predict the behavior of the composite columns under axial loading.