Experimental investigation on the structural behavior of concrete filled FRP tubes with/without steel Re-bar

Abstract

This study evaluates the mechanical performance of Reinforced Concrete Filled Fiber Reinforced Tube (RCFFT) through compressive and flexural tests for the purpose of applying RCFFT as strut members for a Prestressed Concrete (PSC) Box Girder bridge. Firstly, the compressive behavior of Concrete Filled Fiber Reinforced Plastic Tube (CFFT) and RCFFT members was investigated to examine their confinement effects. Secondly, based on the experimental results, an equation for estimating the ultimate compressive strengths of CFFT and RCFFT was proposed. In addition, the degree of improvement on the flexural performance due to the reinforcement by Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) was analyzed from flexural tests on CFFT and RCFFT. It could be confirmed from the result of this research that the structural performance of RCFFT members were improved. Furthermore, the result of this study might be utilized in the design of the RCFFT strut members of a real PC BOX Girder bridge.