BEHAVIOUR OF GFRP-WRAPPED RC COLUMNS: EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THEIR BEHAVIOR

Abstract

The study explores both experimental and analytical investigations on GFRP- wrapped RC columns to enhance their axial load-bearing capacity and ductility. Compared to traditional techniques, GFRP retrofitting offers several advantages for RC structures. Predicting the load-bearing capacity of GFRP-wrapped specimens is complex, so Finite Element Modelling (FEM) and analysis were performed using ABAQUS to estimate parameters such as load capacity and ductility. The analysis considered various techniques, including single-layer wrapping (SW), double-layer wrapping (DW), and retrofitted single- layer wrapping (RSW) in the RC column models. The results of these analyses provided insights into the load-bearing capacity, ductility, and stress-strain behavior of the GFRP- strengthened columns. Experimental investigations were also conducted on four M20 grade RC columns (C, SW, DW, RSW) to examine the effects of GFRP wrapping on parameters like load capacity and ductility. The study assessed load-deflection behavior and ultimate load capacity, revealing that both load-bearing capacity and ductility increased compared to the control specimen. Additionally, the results from the finite element analysis closely matched the experimental findings, although further refinement is needed to improve the FE model's accuracy in predicting failure modes.