Sensitivity Study and Design Procedure for FRP Wrapped Reinforced Concrete Circular Columns

This paper presents the theoretical results of sensitivity studies performed on a simply supported FRP wrapped RC beam-column subjected to an axial load and to equal end moments. These sensitivity studies were performed to investigate the effects of the various parameters on the strength of the FRP wrapped RC beam-columns. The parameters used in the investigation include the unconfined concrete strength, the steel ratio, the thickness of FRP wraps, and the section diameter. A total of 23 cases were studied. Interaction equations were also developed in this work to provide a simplified and practical tool for engineers to evaluate the ultimate strength of the FRP wrapped columns. It is shown that the developed interaction equations for predicting the ultimate strength are reliable.