Influence of Confined Concrete Models on the Seismic Response of RC Frames

In this study, the influence of confined concrete models on the response of reinforced concrete structures is investigatedat member and global system levels. The commonly encountered concrete models such as Modified Kent-Park, Saatçioğlu-Razvi, and Mander are considered. Two moment-resisting frames designed according to thepre-modern code are taken into consideration to reflect the example of an RC moment-resisting frame in thecurrent building stock. The building is in an earthquake-prone zone located on Z3 Soil Type. The inelasticresponse of the building frame is modelled by considering the plastic hinges formed on each beam and columnelement for different concrete classes and stirrups spacings. The models are subjected to non-linear static analyses.The differences between confined concrete models are comparatively investigated at both reinforced concretemember and system levels. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, it is revealed that the column behaviouris mostly influenced by the choice of model, due to axial loads and confinement effects, while the beams areless affected, and also it is observed that the differences exhibited in the moment-curvature response of columncross-sections do not significantly affect the overall behaviour of the global system. This highlights the critical roleof model selection relative to the concrete strength and stirrup spacing of the member.

Mechanical properties and influence mechanism of confined concrete arches in high-stress tunnels

Deep underground projects(e.g., coal mines), are often faced with complex conditions such as high stress and extremely soft rock. The strength and rigidity of the traditional support system are often insufficient,which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of ground control under complex conditions. As a new support form with high strength and rigidity, the confined concrete arch plays an important role in controlling the rock deformation under complex conditions. The section shape of the tunnel has an important impact on the mechanical properties and design of the support system. However, studies on the mechanical properties and influence mechanism of the new confined concrete arch are rarely reported. To this end, the mechanical properties of traditional U-shaped steel and new confined concrete arches are compared and comparative tests on arches of circular and straight-leg semicircular shapes in deep tunnels are conducted. A large mechanical testing system for underground engineering support structure is developed. The mechanical properties and influence mechanism of confined concrete arches with different section shapes under different loading modes and cross-section parameters are systematically studied. Test results show that the bearing capacity of the confined concrete arch is 2.10 times that of the U-shaped steel arch, and the bearing capacity of the circular confined concrete arch is 2.27 times that of the straight-leg semicircular arch. Among the various influencing factors and their engineering parameters,the lateral stress coefficient has the greatest impact on the bearing capacity of the confined concrete arch,followed by the steel pipe wall thickness, steel strength, and core concrete strength. Subsequently, the economic index of bearing capacity and cost is established, and the optimization design method for the confined concrete arch is proposed. Finally, this design method is applied to a high-stress tunnel under complex conditions, and the deformation of the surrounding rock is effectively controlled.

Comparative study on bearing mechanism and design parameters of confined concrete arch joints in deep soft rock roadway

Square confined concrete arch is increasingly used in deep soft rock roadway support because of its advantages of high strength and construction convenience.However,the design of confined concrete arch in underground engineering still remains in experience-based method and lacks quantitative analysis.As a connecting component between arch sections,the connection joints have an important influence on the internal force distribution and failure mechanism of support arch.Therefore,a reasonable design of arch joints is the premise of rational support design.Taking Liangjia Coal Mine,a typical deep soft rock mine in China,as research background,this paper fully compared the most widely used joint types of confined concrete arch as analytical objects:flange joints and casing joints.The main failure modes of these two kinds of joints under bending moment are defined.Laboratory and numerical tests are carried out to study the mechanical characteristics of joints.Based on the M-θ curve,the influence law of different design parameters is analyzed,and the design principles of joints are proposed.The research results could provide a theoretical basis for the design and application of confined concrete arch in related projects.

Seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete frame structures using GFRP-tube-confined-concrete composite braces

This paper presents a new type of structural bracing intended for seismic retrofitting use in framed structures. This special composite brace, termed glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer （GFRP）-tube-confined-concrete composite brace, is comprised of concrete confined by a GFRP tube and an inner steel core for energy dissipation. Together with a contribution from the GFRP-tube confined concrete, the composite brace shows a substantially increased stiffness to control story drift, which is often a preferred feature in seismic retrofitting. An analysis model is established and implemented in a general finite element analysis program - OpenSees, for simulating the load-displacement behavior of the composite brace. Using this model, a parametric study of the hysteretic behavior （energy dissipation, stiffness, ductility and strength） of the composite brace was conducted under static cyclic loading and it was found that the area ratio of steel core to concrete has the greatest influence among all the parameters considered. To demonstrate the application of the composite brace in seismic retrofitting, a three-story nonductile reinforced concrete （RC） frame structure was retrofitted with the composite braces. Pushover analysis and nonlinear time-history analyses of the retrofitted RC frame structure was performed by employing a suite of 20 strong ground motion earthquake records. The analysis results show that the composite braces can effectively reduce the peak seismic responses of the RC frame structure without significantly increasing the base shear demand.

Unified bearing capacity model of confined concrete column subjected to axial compression

To better study the behavior of confined concrete,this paper presents the basic hypothesis of ultimate equilibrium of confined concrete and the unified yield criteria of confining material.Based on the static equilibrium condition and yield criteria of components,a unified bearing capacity model of confined concrete column is proposed,and a simplified calculating equation of the model is also given.The model captures the character of confined concrete column.Effects of the confinement effect ratio,the lateral confinement ratio,unconfined concrete strength and the properties of confining material on the bearing capacity of confined concrete column are carefully considered.The model may be applicable to the calculation of bearing capacity of steel-confined concrete,concrete filled steel tube and FRP-confined concrete.The predictions of the model agree well with test data.

Size effect of confined concrete subjected to axial compression

In order to investigate the size effect and other effects on the stress-strain relationship of confined concrete, 42 specimens with different sizes and section shapes were placed under axial compression loading. Effects of key parameters such as size of specimens, tie configuration, transverse reinforcement ratio, and concrete cover were studied. The results show that for specimens with the same configuration and the same volumetric ratio of the transverse reinforcement, along with the increasing specimen size, the peak stress, peak strain and deformation of the post-peak show a down trend, however, the volumetric ratio of the transverse reinforcement is lowered, the decreasing of the peak stress is accelerated, but the decreasing of the deformation is slow down. For specimens with the same volumetric ratio but different configurations of transverse reinforcement, though the transverse reinforcement configuration becomes more complicated, the peak stress of the large size specimen does not improve more than that of the small size. However, the deformation occurs before the stress declines to 85% of peak stress, and the improvement with the grid pattern tie configuration is much greater due to size effect.

Axial Bearing Capacity of Short FRP Confined Concrete-filled Steel Tubular Columns

The bearing capacity of FRP confined concrete-filled steel tubular （FRP-CFST） columns under axial compression was investigated. This new type of composite column is a concrete-filled steel tube （CFST） confined with fiber-reinforced polymer （FRP） wraps. Totally 11 short column specimens were tested to failure under axial compression. The influences of the type and quantity of FRP, the thickness of steel tube and the concrete strength were studied. It was found that the bearing capacity of short FRP-CFST column was much higher than that of comparable CFST column. Furthermore, the formulas for calculating the bearing capacity of the FRP-CFST columns are proposed. The analytical calculated results agree well with the experimental results.

Performance of Cross-Shaped Concrete Columns Confined by Stirrups

The stress-strain curves of confined concrete were obtained based on tests of seven cross-shaped columns confined by stirrups under axial load. The experiment results showed that the strength and deformation of confined concrete can be enhanced effectively by stirrups for cross-shaped columns. Compared with the non-confined concrete, when the stirrup characteristic value is in the range of 0.046-0.230, the confined concrete compressive strengths has an increase of 8%-43%, and the strain corresponding to the peak stress of confined concrete has an increase of 25%-195%. According to the test results, the effects of stirrup characteristic and stirrup spacing on the compressive strength and strain of confined concrete were analysed. It is shown that the compressive strength of confined concrete has a linear relationship with the product of stirrup characteristic value and stirrup effective restraint coefficient, and the strain corresponding to the peak stress of confined concrete has a nonlinear relationship with the product of stirrup characteristic value and stirrup effective restraint coefficient. The stress-strain curve equation of confined concrete was proposed for cross-shaped columns, and the calculated curves are in good agreement with the experimental curves.

Fatigue behavior and cumulative damage rule of concrete under cycli ccompression with constant confined stress

The effects of different lateral confinement stress on the fatigue behavior and cumulative damage of plain concrete were investigated experimentally. Eighty 100mm×100mm×100mm specimens of ordinary strength concrete were tested with constant-or variable-amplitude cyclic compression and lateral confinement pressure in two orthogonal directions. A fatigue equation was gained by modifying the classical Aas-Jakobsen S-N equation and used for taking into account the effect of the confined stress on fatigue strength of plain concrete. The present study indicates that the fatigue failure is greatly influenced by the sequence of applied variable-amplitude fatigue loading, and Miner’s rule is inapplicable to predict the residual fatigue life, especially in the sequence of low to high. The present research also shows that the exponent d of the Corten-Dolan’s damage formula is a constant depending on the materials and the levels of load spectrum, and d can be determined through the two-stage fatigue tests. The residual fatigue lives predicted by Corten-Dolan’s damage formula are found to be in good agreement with the results of the experiments.

Axial compressive behaviors of partial deteriorated strength concrete columns confined with CFRP

This paper aims to present an effective method to partial deteriorated strength columns,and to investigate the mechanical behavior of the defect part. Five groups of 150×150 mm×mm plain square columns are cast; each specimen has two different strengths,the lower strength in the middle segment and higher strength in both ends. The lower strength is to simulate the status of partial deteriorated region. Different layers of CFRP sheets have been wrapped just on the lower strength part to gain the reinforcement with CFRP sheets,and to verify the practicability of partial confinement. Specimens are subjected to monotonic axial compression until failure. Axial load,axial and transverse strains are measured to compare the different behaviors between the two parts. Experimental results show that partial confinement can significantly enhance the strength and the ductility of the deteriorated strength part,then,the load capacity of the whole column can be increased subsequently. Test data indicate that the ultimate load of the confined column is higher than that of the original column without deterioration; partial confinement on weakness is a feasible approach.

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Sea Sand Concrete Filled Stainless Steel Tube with Inner FRP Tube Subjected to Axial Compression

Since fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) and stainless steel(SS) offer advantages of corrosion resistance and hybrid confinement, this study proposed a new type of composite column: sea sand concrete(SSC)-filled SS tubular columns with an inner FRP tube(CFSTFs) to help exploit abundant ocean resources in marine engineering. To study compressive behaviours of these novel members, eight CFSTFs and two SSC-filled SS tubular columns(CFSTs)were tested under axial compression. Their axial load-displacement curves, axial load-strain curves in SS or FRP tubes were obtained, and influences of key test parameters(the existence of glass FRP(GFRP) tubes, steel tube shapes, and GFRP tube thicknesses and diameters) were discussed. Further, specimen failure mechanism was analyzed employing the finite element method using ABAQUS software. Test results confirmed the excellent ductility and load-bearing capacity of CFSTFs. The existence of GFRP tubes inside can postpone SS tube buckling, and the content of inner FRP tubes, particularly increasing diameters, was found to improve compressive behaviours. GFRP contents helped develop the second elastic-plastic stage of the load-displacement curves. Furthermore, the bearing capacity of CFSTFs with a circular cross-section was approximately 26% higher than that with a square cross-section, and this difference narrowed with the increase in GFRP ratios.

Experimental study on the compressive behaviors of CFRP tube-encased concrete columns

Nine square concrete columns including 6 CFRP/ECCs and 3 concrete columns are prepared,which have cross-section of 200 mm×200 mm and height of 600 mm.The CFRP tubes with fibers oriented at hoop direction were manufactured to have 3 or 5 layers of CFRP with 10 mm, 20 mm,or 40 mm rounding corner radii at vertical edges.A 100 mm overlap in the direction of fibers was provided to ensure proper bond.Uniaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the compressive behavior.It is evident that the CFRP tube confinement can improve the behavior of concrete core,in terms of axial compressive strength or axial deformability.Test results show that the stress-strain behavior of CFRP/ECCs vary with different confinement parameters,such as the number of confinement layers and the rounding corner radius.

Achievements of Truss Models for Reinforced Concrete Structures

Achievements are presented for truss models of RC structures developed in previous years: 1. Two constitutive models, biaxial and triaxial, are based on regular trusses, with bars obeying nonlinear uniaxial σ-ε laws of material under simulation;both models have been compared with test results and show a dependence of Poisson ratio on curvature of σ-ε law. 2. A truss finite element has been used in the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of plane RC frames;it has been compared with test results and describes, in a simple way, the formation of plastic hinges. 3. Thanks to the very simple geometry of a truss, the equilibrium equations can be easily written and the stiffness matrix can be easily updated, both with respect to the deformed truss, within each step of a static incremental loading or within each time step of a dynamic analysis, so that to take into account geometric nonlinearities. So the confinement of a RC column is interpreted as a structural stability effect of concrete. And a significant role of the transverse reinforcement is revealed, that of preventing, by its close spacing and sufficient amount, the buckling of inner longitudinal concrete struts, which would lead to a global instability of the RC column. 4. The proposed truss model is statically indeterminate, so it exhibits some features, which are not met by the “strut-and-tie” model.

Numerical analysis of ultimate strength of concrete filled steel tubular arch bridges

The calculation of ultimate bearing capacity is a significant issue in the design of Concrete Filled Steel Tubular (CFST) arch bridges. Based on the space beam theory, this paper provides a calculation method for determining the ultimate strength of CFST structures. The accuracy of this method and the applicability of the stress-strain relationships were validated by comparing different existing confined concrete uniaxial constitutive relationships and experimental results. Comparison of these results indicated that this method using the confined concrete uniaxial stress-strain relationships can be used to calculate the ultimate strength and CFST behavior with satisfactory accuracy. The calculation results are stable and seldom affected by concrete con-stitutive relationships. The method is therefore valuable in the practice of engineering design. Finally, the ultimate strength of an arch bridge with span of 330 m was investigated by the proposed method and the nonlinear behavior was discussed.

A Review of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforced Concrete Composite Column Members Modelling and Analysis Techniques

The use of fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP)to confine concrete columns improves the strength and ductility of the columns by reducing passive lateral confinement pressure.Many numerical and analytical formulations have been proposed in the literature to describe the compressive behaviour of FRP confined concrete under both monotonic and cyclic loads.However,the efect of a stress/strain level in the columns has not been well defined because of the lack of well-defined strategies of modeing and oversimplification of the model.This paper reviews the existing FRP combinations and the available numerical and analytical methods to determine the effectiveness of the adopted method.An effort has been made to examine the usage of FRP materials in column applications in exist-ing building regimes and highlights the possible future scopes to improve the use of FRP confined concrete in civil applications.

Radial explosion strain and its fracture effect from confined explosion with charge of cyclonite

Instrumented experiments were conducted in concrete models to study the explosion-induced radial strain and fracture effect of rock-like media under confined explosion with a charge of cyclonite. As a charge was exploded, two different radial strain waves were sequentially recorded by a strain gage at a distance of 80 mm from the center of charge. Through the attenuation formula of the maximum compressive strain(εrmax), the distribution of εrmax and its strain rate（ ） between the charge and gage were obtained. The effect of the two waves propagating outwards on the radial fracture of surrounding media was discussed. The results show that the two waves are pertinent to the loading of shock energy （Es） and bubble energy （Eb） against concrete surrounding charge, respectively. The former wave lasts for much shorter time than the latter. The peak values of εrmax and of the former are higher than those of the latter, respectively.

Fatigue Behavior of Plain Concrete Under Biaxial Compression: Experiments and Theoretical Model

The effects of different lateral confinement stress on the fatigue behavior of and cumulative damage to plain concrete are investigated experimentally. Eighty 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm specimens of ordinary strength concrete are tested under constant- or variable-amplitude fatigue loading and lateral confinement pressure in two orthogonal directions. A fatigue equation is developed by modifying the classical Aas-Jakobsen S-N equation for taking into account the effect of the confined stress on fatigue strength of plain concrete. The results of variable-amplitude fatigue tests indicate that the linear damage theory proposed by Palmgren and Miner is unreasonable in the biaxial stress state. A nonlinear cumulative damage model that could model the effects of the magnitude and sequence of variable-amplitude fatigue loading and lateral confinement pressure is proposed on the basis of the evolution laws of the residual strains in the longitudinal direction during fatigue tests. The residual fatigue. life predicted by this model is found to be in good agreement with the results of the experimental research.

Numerical investigation of the failure mechanism of cubic concrete specimens in SHPB tests

Cylindrical specimens are commonly used in Split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)tests to study the uniaxial dynamic properties of concrete-like materials.In recent years,true tri-axial SHPB equipment has also been developed or is under development to investigate the material dynamic properties under tri-axial impact loads.For such tests,cubic specimens are needed.It is well understood that static material strength obtained from cylinder and cube specimens are different.Conversion factors are obtained and adopted in some guidelines to convert the material streng th obtained from the two types of specimens.Previous uniaxial impact tests have also demonstrated that the failure mode and the strain rate effect of cubic specimens are very different from that of cylindrical ones.However,the mechanical background of these findings is unclear.As an extension of the previous laboratory study,this study performs numerical SHPB tests of cubic and cylindrical concrete specimens subjected to uniaxial impact load with the validated numerical model.The stress states of cubic specimens in relation to its failure mode under different strain rates is analyzed and compared with cylindrical specimens.The detailed analyses of the numerical simulation results show that the lateral inertial confinement of the cylindrical specimen is higher than that of the cubic specimen under the same strain rates.For cubic specimen,the corners aremore severely damaged because of the lower lateral confinement and the occurrence of the tensile radial stress which is not observed in cylindrical specimens.These results explain why the dynamic material strengths obtained from the two types of specimens are different and are strain rate dependent.Based on the simulation results,an empirical formula of conversion factor as a function of strain rate is proposed,which supplements the traditional conversion factor for quasi-static material strength.It can be used for transforming the dynamic compressive strength from cylinders to cubes obtained from impact tests at different strain rates.

Bearing capacity of concrete filled bidirectional FRP tube subjected to axial compression

External confinement by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is an efficient technique to increase the bearing capacity and ductility of concrete. To better study the mechanical behavior of bidirectional FRP confined concrete, the yield criterion of bidirectional FRP is presented based on the static equilibrium condition in this paper, and a model for calculating the bearing capacity of bidirectional FRP confined concrete is established. The model can capture the character of bidirectional FRP confined concrete. Effects of the confinement effect coefficient, the unconfined concrete strength and the material properties of FRP on bearing capacity are analyzed. Results show that each parameter has different effects on the bearing capacity of bidirectional FRP confined concrete.