Novel hybrid FRP tubular columns with large deformation capacity: Concept and behaviour

Extensive studies have been conducted on the use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) as a confining material in hybrid tubular columns for civil construction, where the design of columns is often controlled by the stiffness and/or strength requirements. By contrast, the capacity of sustaining large deformation without losing structural integrity can be critical in some applications such as the standing supports for underground mines. This paper presents the conceptual development of a novel column form with large deformation capacity. The novel column consists of an outer FRP tube, and an infill made of coarse lumps/aggregates, which can be from coal rejects or other waste/recycled materials, as well as calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA)-based cementitious material with high water content. In addition to its large deformation capacity, the new column allows the extensive, direct and easy use of waste materials and eliminates the need for mixing concrete on site or transporting commercial concrete. This paper also presents the results from a series of compression tests on the new columns as well as two similar column forms. These tests demonstrate the very large deformation capacity of the new column and show that an existing stress-strain model for FRP-confined normal concrete can be used to provide reasonable predictions of the behaviour of the confined infill material in the new column. The potential applications of the new column and the needs for future research are also discussed.