Performance of GFRP-Confined Rubberized Engineered Cementitious Composite Columns

In coastal regions, the deterioration of structures and bridges due to environmental conditions and corrosion is a significant concern. To combat these issues, the use of corrosion-resistant materials like fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) materials, engineered cementitious composites (ECCs), and rubberized ECCs (RECC) shows promise as normal concrete (NC) alternatives by providing increased ductility and energy absorption properties. The effectiveness of confining concrete columns using GFRP tubes with ECC/RECC was assessed in this research by evaluating their performance through compression and push-out tests. The study explored key parameters such as GFRP tube thickness and the presence of shear connectors along the tube height, as well as examining various types of concrete. Additionally, a comprehensive parametric investigation utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to analyze how different factors influence the behavior of confined concrete columns. These factors included the effect of GFRP tube thickness and diameter on the overall behavior of different types of confined concretes. The results demonstrate that GFRP tubes significantly enhance column capacity, while the presence of ECC/RECC exhibits even greater improvements in capacity, stiffness, and toughness compared to NC. This approach shows promise in reinforcing coastal infrastructure and addressing corrosion-related concerns effectively.