EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE

BEHAVIOUR OF GFRP WRAPPED RC COLUMNS

ARUN VIJAY V S
[14MC01]

Dissertation (Phase II) submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of

MASTER OF ENGINEERING
Branch: CIVIL ENGINEERING
Specialization: STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
of Anna University

MAY 2016

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Autonomous Institution)

COIMBATORE 641 004

 PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Autonomous Institution)

COIMBATORE 641 004

EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE

BEHAVIOUR OF GFRP WRAPPED RC COLUMNS
Bonafide record of work done by

ARUN VIJAY V S
(14MC01)

Dissertation (Phase II) submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of

MASTER OF ENGINEERING
Branch: CIVIL ENGINEERING
Specialization: STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
of Anna University

Dr. G. Sankarasubramanian Dr. G. Sankarasubramanian

Faculty Guide Head of the Department

Certified that the candidate was examined in the viva-voce examination held on

.. ..

(Internal Examiner) (External Examiner)

 SYNOPSIS
External confinement significantly improves the strength and ductility,
resulting in large energy dissipation capacity and load carrying capacity of RC
columns. Confined RC columns have large ductility and large load carrying capacity
compared to the conventional unconfined RC columns(C). In recent years the use of
externally bonded GFRP polymers have become increasingly popular in civil
infrastructure applications.

The study presents experimental and analytical investigations on the GFRP

wrapped RC columns to improve the axial load carrying capacity and ductility. GFRP
retrofitted RC structures have numerous advantages compared to other traditional
techniques. The prediction of load carrying capacity of GFRP-wrapped specimens is
a complex task, hence Finite element modelling and analysis to predict the various
parameters like load carrying capacity and ductility is carried out using ABAQUS. The
effect of various techniques like single layered wrapping(SW), Double layered
wrapping(DW) and retrofitted single layer wrapped(RSW) specimens are considered
in RC column model using ABAQUS. The analysis results are used to determine the
load carrying capacity and ductility of the GFRP strengthened columns and also their
stress-strain behaviour. Experimental Investigations are conducted on Four M20
grade RC columns(C,SW,DW,RSW) to study the effect of parameters like load
carrying capacity and ductility on GFRP wrapped RC columns. The load deflection
behaviour and ultimate load carrying capacity are studied. It is observed that the
load carrying capacity and ductility increases compared with the control specimen
and also the results from the finite element analysis matches well with the
experimental results. However modelling the complex behaviour using the FE
analysis to predict the mode of failure requires further improvement.
 CONTENTS
CHAPTER Page No.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i

LIST OF FIGURES ii

LIST OF TABLES iii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 General 1

1.2 Fibre Reinforced Polymers 1

1.2.1 GFRP 1

1.2.2 Properties of GFRP 2

1.2.3 Advantages of GFRP 2

1.2.4Disadvantage of Steel Bonding 2

1.3 Scope of Work 2

1.4 Objectives 3

2. LITERATURE REVIEWS 4

2.1 Introduction 4

2.2 Earlier researches and Journals in GFRP wrapping of RC Columns 4

2.3 Summary 7

3. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY 8

3.1 Introduction 8

3.2 Material Properties 9

3.2.1 Mix Design 9

 3.2.2 GFRP 9

3.3 Casting of RC Columns 10

3.4 GFRP Wrapping 10

3.5 Testing setup 13

4. ANALYTICAL STUDY 14

4.1 Introduction 14

4.2 Modeling and Mesh Generation 14

4.3 Assigning Load 17

5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 19

5.1 Introduction 19

5.2 Experimental Results 19

5.3 Ultimate Load Carrying Capacity 19

5.4 Axial Deflection 20

5.5 Retrofitted Specimen 20

5.6 Analytical Results 22

5.7 Crack Pattern 25

5.7.1 Crack Pattern of Controlled Specimens 25

5.7.2 Crack pattern of GFRP Wrapped Specimens 26

6 CONCLUSION AND SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK 28

REFERENCES 30
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I humbly wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty for showering his
abundant blessing on me.

I wish to record my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. RudramoorthyPrincipal, PSG

College of Technology for having provided me with excellent facilities to complete the
project.

I take immense pleasure in expressing my sincere gratitude and heartful thanks to my

guide Dr. G. Sankarasubramanian, Professor and Head , Department of Civil
Engineering for his guidance, constant encouragement, inspiration, valuable
suggestions, motivation and unstained help during this work.

I thank all teaching and non-teaching staff of the Department of Civil Engineering for
their kind cooperation during this work.

Last but not the least I am highly indebted to my beloved parents and all my friends for
their care.

i
 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

3.1 Reinforcement details of the Specimen 8

3.2 GFRP Woven Roving 600 GSM 9

3.3 Reinforcement and Steel mould 10

3.4 Cutting of GFRP Sheets 11

3.5 Applying epoxy adhesive on GFRP sheet 11

3.6 Applying epoxy adhesive on RC Column 12

3.7 Wrapping of GFRP fibers on RC Column 12

3.8 Testing setup of RC Column 13

3.9 Experimental setup of RC Column using 14

Loading Frame (300kN)

4.1 Modelling of Concrete using 3D solid 15

element

4.2 Modelling of Steel Reinforcement using 15

uniaxial tension element

4.3 Assigning support conditions 16

4.4 Generation of mesh 16

4.5 Assigning the Axial load at the top of 17

Column

4.6 Assigning lateral Confining pressure to 18

the Column

4.7 Lateral confining pressure of GFRP 18

Wrapped Specimen and Control

ii
 Specimen

5.1 Comparision between Axial load capacity 19

of Control,single wrapped and Double
wrapped Specimens

5.2 Axial load vs Axial Deformation of all the 20

Columns(C,SW,DW)

5.3 Ultimate load carrying capacity of 21

Control(c) and Retrofitted single layered
wrapped specimen (RSW)

5.4 Axial load vs Axial Deformation for control 21

specimen upto 126kN

5.5 Axial load vs Axial Deformation for 22

retrofitted Specimen

5.6 ABAQUS Model showing analysed model 23

of GFRP Confined RC Column

5.7 Comparison of Axial load capacity of 23

analytical and experimental Specimens
(C,SW,DW)

5.8 Comparison of Axial load vs. Axial 24

Deformation between control ( c)
experimental and analytical specimens

5.9 Comparison of Axial load vs. Axial 24

Deformation between Single layer
wrapped (SW) experimental and
analytical specimens

5.10 Comparison of Axial load vs. Axial 25

Deformation between Double layer
wrapped ( DW) experimental and

iii
 analytical specimens

5.11 Cracking Pattern of control specimen 26

5.12 Cracking and Delamination of GFRP 27

wrapped Specimens

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

1.1 Properties of GFRP 2

3.1 Details of RC Column 8

3.2 Quantities of Ingredients used in the 9

3
Project per m

3.3 Properties of GFRP Fibre 10

5.1 Experimental and Analytical results of 22

the Specimens(C,SW,DW)

iv
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1GENERAL:

In recent years, there is a challenge in civil engineering industry that

rehabilitation need is increasing due to the environment and the change of uses. The
concrete structure repair techniques now adopted in construction involve replacing
the existing element, external prestressing, adding the external reinforcement. The
most important consideration is to ensure the adequate connection and composite
action between the reinforcement and the existing structures. Strengthening and
repairing of RC element by means of steel plate bonding had been widely used in the
last decade because of the simple, inexpensive, rapid nature. The Fibre Reinforced
Polymer (FRP) materials are well suited to the rehabilitation of civil engineering
structures due to their corrosion resistance, high strength, high modulus, light weight,
and workability. As the price of CFRP goes down, more and more investigators
devote their efforts to the test and analysis of the properties of the structural
members strengthening with GFRP materials. In recent years, the design guidelines
are developed in many nations, such as Japan, Canada, and the Great Britain. All
these Design Codes or Recommendations become the basis of the application of
FRP to strengthen the concrete structures.

1.2 FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMERS:

FRP retrofitted RC structures have numerous advantages compared to other

traditional techniques like RC Jacketing and Steel bonding.Among the Fibre
reinforced polymers, CFRP(Carbon Fibre reinforced polymers), GFRP(Glass Fibre
reinforced polymers) AFRP(Aramid Fibre reinforced polymers) and BFRP(Basalt
Fibre reinforced polymers) are the commonly used and available fibres in the market.

1.2.1 GFRP

Since GFRP(Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) is cheap and most commonly

available Fibres among the FRP(Fibre Reinforced Polymer) and giving almost equal

1
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1

strength as that of CFRP it is used in the present study. In the present experimental
study GFRP fibres of woven roving 600 GSM is used, having weight of 600 grams
per square metre.

1.2.2 PROPERTIES OF GFRP:

Table 1.1: Properties of GFRP

Fibre Sheet Fibre Ultimate Elastic

weight(g/m2) width(mm) thickness(mm) tensile modulus(MPa)
strength(MPa)
600 1000 0.3 3400 74500

1.2.3 ADVANTAGES OF GFRP:

1. External confinement increases the strength, ductility resulting in large dissipation

capacity.
2. Increases the moment capacity and load carrying capacity.
3. High strength to weight ratio, Light weight, resistance to corrosion.
4. Resistance to salt water, chemicals and acid attack.
5. Low maintenance cost.
6. Increases Durability of the structure.

1.2.4 DISADVANTAGES OF STEEL BONDING:

1. High modulus of elasticity attracts large portion of load to steel jacket.

2. Poison ratio of steel is higher than concrete so at the early stage of loading,
differential expansion takes place resulting in Partial separation of two materials.

3. Corrosive in nature.

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

Retrofitting of RC columns to improve the axial load capacity and ductility with
externally bonded GFRP sheets is being widely recognised as an efficient retrofit
technique. In recent years, many experimental studies have been carried out and
several models have been implemented in modern design codes and guidelines.
However, modelling of RC columns to improve the axial load capacity is complicated
task and represents an active research field, owing to the difficulty in interpreting the

2
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1

various factors simultaneously contributing to multiple resisting mechanism. The

interaction between these resistance mechanisms are very complex and still need to
be predicted more accurately. Hence, reliable and robust FE models and
formulations are needed to allow engineers to model FRP strengthened RC columns
and to predict their structural response and performance under different
strengthening configurations.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are

1. Modeling control and GFRP wrapped RC columns with end constraints by giving
lateral confining pressure given by GFRP fibres as per ACI 440..
2. Perform FE analysis of the generated model and interpreting the results.
3. Conducting tests on column specimens(C,SW,DW,RSW) and comparing the
results with proposed model to validate the accuracy of the model.
where,
C Control Specimen
SW Single layer wrapped Specimen
DW Double layer wrapped Specimen
RSW Retrofitted Single layer wrapped Specimen

3
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter a brief review of literature about the GFRP wrapped RC

columns under axial loading and their effect on load carrying capacity and ductility is
reported and discussed.

2.2 EARLIER RESEARCHES AND JOURNALS IN GFRP WRAPPING OF RC

COLUMNS

Rahul Raval, Urmil Dave(2013), conducted a study on Behaviour of GFRP

wrapped RC columns of different shapes .In recent years, the use of externally
bonded fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) has become increasingly popular for civil
infrastructure applications. The Glass fiber reinforced polymer has significantly
enhanced the strength and ductility of concrete by forming perfect adhesive bond
between concrete and the wrapping material. Present experimental investigation
mainly emphasises on effectiveness of external GFRP strengthening for RC Columns
of circular, square and rectangular shapes having same cross sectional area. Total
15 RC columns of 1 meter in height were cast. 9 columns were control and the rest 6
columns were strengthened with one layer of GFRP wrap having 20mm of corner
radius. Columns were designed using IS: 456:2000 provisions. Design of GFRP
wrapping was done using ACI 440.2R.08 provisions. All the test specimens were
loaded to fail in axial compression and strain of the columns in the axial direction was
investigated. The test results clearly demonstrated that the axial load carrying
capacity increases from rectangular to square to circular shape of confined RC
columns. No major impact on axial compressive strength is observed due to variation
in shape for control columns, on the other hand, quite opposite behaviour was
observed in case of RC columns confined by GFRP. GFRP wrapped circular column
undergone more axial deformation as compared to that of square and rectangular
columns. Stress-strain behaviour revealed that the strength gained from FRP
confinement was prominent for circular columns. Square and rectangular-section
columns are found to experience lesser increment in strength as compared to that of

4
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE CHAPTER 2

circular columns. This behaviour may be attributed to variation in lateral confining

pressure distribution for rectangular columns from a maximum at the corners to a
minimum in between, which is in contrast to even confining pressure observed for
circular columns in order to achieve the full confinement effect. GFRP wrapping for
circular columns produced highest increment in axial load of 159%. For square and
rectangular columns, the enhancement in axial load was about 79% &76%,
respectively due to GFRP confinement. Control and GFRP wrapped circular columns
undergo higher axial deformation as compared to that for rectangular columns.

Higher deformation was observed for GFRP wrapped rectangular columns as

compared to that for square and circular columns because of slenderness
effects having resulted into bending at the time of failure under small
eccentricity

J.G. Teng, Q.G. Xiao, T. Yub, L. Lam(2011) conducted study on Three-

dimensional finite element analysis of reinforced concrete columns with FRP
and/or steel confinement.The strength and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC)
columns can be substantially enhanced thoughlateral confinement which may be
provided by transverse steel reinforcement and/or a supplementalfiber-reinforced
polymer (FRP) jacket. Despite extensive past research on confined concrete
columns, most of the existing work has been either experimental or empirical,
particularly when discrete steelhoops/spirals need to be considered. This paper
instead is focused on the alternative approach of three-dimensional (3D) finite
element (FE) analysis of circular FRPconfined RC columns, with the discretenature
of transverse steel reinforcement properly captured. The key to the success of such
FE analysislies in an accurate constitutive model for the concrete which is under 3D
compressive stresses, andthis is achieved in the present study by building on an
accurate plastic-damage model recently proposed by the authors group. In
implementing this plastic-damage model, a local stressstrain model forconcrete
under uniform confinement, obtained by resolving a number of issues associated with
3D FEmodelling, is employed to generate data for the input parameters. The
proposed FE approach is capableof providing accurate prediction for both FRP-
confined RC columns and steel-confined RC columns asdemonstrated through
comparisons with existing test data. FE results obtained for steel confined circularRC
columns are also examined in detail to gain an improved understanding of the
confinementmechanisms in these columns.A major aim of these experimental
studieshas been to establish empirical or semi-empirical uniaxialstressstrain models

5
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE CHAPTER 2

for the confined concrete to facilitate the analysis of such columns in design.A three-
dimensional FE approach for modelling the behaviour ofFRP-confined circular plain
concrete cylinders and RC columnsbased on Yu et al.s plastic-damage model has
been presentedin this paper.Numericalresults obtained with the FE approach have
revealed that endrestraints lead to a smaller axial strain at a given lateral strain.This
effect necessitates the use of a local stressstrain model ingenerating input
parameters for the concrete constitutive modelto achieve precise predictions for
FRP-confined short circular concretecylinders, but this issue becomes less important
for longerspecimens and RC columns. With the use of a local stressstrainmodel, the
proposed FE approach has been shown to provide accuratepredictions for both FRP-
confined RC columns and steel-confined columns although the concrete model was
onlycalibrated using results of FRP-confined circular concrete cylinders.

Sung-Chul, Chun,Hyung-Chul Park(2009) conducted study on Load

carrying capacity and ductility of RC columns confined by carbon fiber
reinforced polymers. External confinement of concrete can significantly enhance its
strength and ductility, resulting inlarge energy dissipation capacity. Therefore,
confined RC columns have larger bending moment capacityand ductility, as well as
larger axial load carrying capacity. A new strengthening technique using
FiberReinforced Polymers (FRP) was introduced instead of the conventional
methods such as steel platejackets and reinforced concrete jackets. The objectives
of this research are to investigate the behaviour of eccentrically loaded RCcolumns
confined by Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) jackets and to analyse the
enhancedload carrying capacity and ductility. To evaluate the performance,
especially for the axial force-bending moment interaction relationship of the RC
columns confined by CFRP, a series of eccentric loading tests(4 unconfined columns
and 5 confined columns) have been conducted. Furthermore analytical studiesusing
stress-strain models of confined concrete have been performed. The stress-strain
model ofconfined concrete, based on the passive confinement mechanism by Madas,
P. and Elnashai, A. S.(1992), was used as the compressive zone in the analysis. For
comparison, Mander, J. B. et al.s stress strainmodel (1988) was also used. The
analytical results compared with the experimental results showthat the analysis using
the proposed model can evaluate load carrying capacity properly. Since theCFRPs
linearly elastic characteristic is considered in the proposed model, the suggested
analyticalmethod can theoretically support the enhancement of ductility of confined
RC columns.To evaluate the performance of RC columns confined by Carbon Fiber
Sheets (CFS), a series ofeccentric loading tests were conducted. Furthermore,

6
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE CHAPTER 2

analytical studies using a PCM considering CFS linearly elastic characteristics were
performed. P-M interaction diagrams and curvatures at themaximum moment of
retrofitted columns were obtained analytically, and were compared with the
testresults. The test results indicate that the axial load carrying capacity of the
confined columns improves, because the compressive strength of the confined
concrete enhances by the confinement effect. The ultimate strain of the confined
concrete increases. Consequently, the tensile reinforcement steels undergo strain
hardening range resulting in increment of the bending moment carrying capacity and
the ductility. Increment of the ductility provides higher reliability of the confined
columns. The comparison of the analytical and the experimental results shows that
the analysis using PCM can properly predict the P-M interaction diagram and the
curvature. However, for more accurate estimation of the bending moment capacity,
the effective maximum strain of CFS should bereduced as the axial load increases to
account for the premature failure of CFS

Amit R. Choungle(2014) conducted a study on "experimental study

related to the strengthening of R C long column strengthened with GFRP wrap
of various layers under axial loading". The test results clearly indicates that the
load carrying capacity and ductility of GFRP wrapped columns increases when
compared with the control specimen. Higher deformation was observed for GFRP
wrapped columns as compared to unconfined control specimens because of more
ductile nature of GFRP confinement. The results also shows that applying GFRP
system of double layers to the RC column is most effective than the single layer for
different configuration.

2.3 SUMMARY

From the above literature it is observed that,

1. GFRP wrapping on RC columns improves the axial load carrying capacity of

RC columns to a certain extent.
2. Ductile behaviour of columns improves to a greater extent when GFRP
wrapping is done.

7
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
3.1 INTRODUCTION

RC columns were designed as per IS 456:2000 and IS 10262:2009. Four

M20 Grade specimens of dimension 100x100x800 were casted. Out of Four
specimens one control specimen(C) one Single layered wrapped specimen(SW) one
Double layered wrapped specimen(DW) and finally the retrofitted single layered
wrapped specimen(RSW).The details of the specimen are listed below.

Table 3.1: Details of RC column

Columns B D Reinforcement Ties
C,SW,DW,RSW 100 100 4#8 6 -150 c/c

C-Control specimen
SW-Single layered wrapping
DW-Double layered wrapping
RSW-Retrofitted single layered wrapping

Figure3.1: Reinforcement details of the specimen

8
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

3.2 MATERIAL PROPERTIES

3.2.1 MIX DESIGN

The RC columns were cast using concrete mix with 28 days compressive
strength of 15 MPa. Proportion of material as per weight batch was 0.60: 1: 3.25: 5
(water: cement: sand: coarse aggregate). The quantities of ingredients, used in the
concrete mix are shown in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Quantities of ingredients used in the project per m3

Materials Quantity(kg/m3)

Cement 402

Sand 896

Coarse Aggregate 867

Water 221

3.2.2 GFRP

Figure 3.2: GFRP woven roving 600 GSM

Type of GFRP fabric used in this project is woven roving 600 GSM. The glass fiber
sheets used in this study were bidirectional as shown in Fig. 3.2. The resin system
used to bond the glass fabrics over the columns is an epoxy resin made of two parts,
resin and hardener. Fig. 3.2 shows GFRP sheet in roll form and defines the direction
of layers of fibers which is more in both longitudinal as well as transverse direction.
The properties of GFRP woven roving 600 GSM Fibre is shown below in the table
3.3.

9
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

Table 3.3: Properties of GFRP fibre

Fibre Sheet Fibre Ultimate Elastic
weight(g/m2) width(mm) thickness(mm) tensile modulus(MPa)
strength(MPa)
600 1000 0.3 3400 74500

3.3 CASTING OF RC COLUMNS

Total 4 RC columns were used of 800 mm length. The mix design adopted is
M20 (1:2.32:2.26) as per IS 456:2000 and IS 10269:2009. Clear cover was kept as
20mm for all the columns and 10 mm aggregate was used in the study. Grade of
steel used in the study is Fe 500.

Fig3.3(a) Reinforcement (b) Steel mould

3.4 GFRP WRAPPING

The GFRP sheet used in this study was 1m in length, cut in to 800 mm
length. The adhesive used to stick the GFRP sheet on to the concrete consist of two
parts epoxy resin and hardener which was mixed in the ratio of 1:5.The GFRP was
impregnated in adhesive .The surface to be wrapped is coated with the epoxy resin
and hardener with the help of roller. Then the columns were wrapped with GFRP
sheets. After wrapping the specimen the adhesive is applied over the sheets to
ensure proper sticking of GFRP sheets with the concrete specimen.It takes 20-30
minutes for the efficient adhesion of GFRP fibres with the Reinforced Concrete
columns.

10
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

Fig3.4: Cutting of GFRP sheets

Fig3.5: Applying epoxy adhesive on GFRP sheet

Cutting of GFRP fibres and application of epoxy adhesive on the GFRP fibres in
shown in the above figures 3.4 and 3.5 respecitively.

11
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

Fig3.6: Applying epoxy adhesive on RC column

Fig 3.7: Wrapping of GFRP fibres on RC column

Applying epoxy adhesive on the RC column and wrapping of GFRP fibres in shown
in the above figures 3.6 and 3.7 respectively.

12
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

3.5 TESTING SETUP

The entire column specimens were tested on loading frame (300KN) as

shown in the figure 4. The load was applied until complete failure took place. The
load is given at equal interval with the help of hydraulic jack arrangement and LVDT
is used to measure the axial deformation for the corresponding load. Then ultimate
load and corresponding deformation was noted down. The load deformation curve
was plotted and load deformation characteristics were studied. The sketch showing
the experimental setup is shown in the below Figures 3.8,3.9 respectively.

Fig3.8: Testing setup of RC column

The axial load is applied through hydraulic jack of 500 kN capacity and the
loading frame used in the experimental study has the capacity of 300 kN General
arrangement of test setup is shown in Fig. 3.8. All columns were capped with steel
plate to ensure parallel surface and to distribute the load Uniformly in order to reduce
eccentricity. The LVDT was installed in preparation to start the test, and then the load
was applied at a loading rate equal to 2 kN. The rate of loading is kept constant up to
the complete failure of the column specimen.

13
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY CHAPTER 3

Fig3.9: Experimental setup of RC column using loading frame(300 kN)

14
 ANALYTICAL STUDY CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4
ANALYTICAL STUDY
4.1 INTRODUCTION

Analytical work was carried out for control specimens and GFRP wrapped
specimen. The model consist of 2 parts namely concrete, steel reinforcement. The
concrete portion is modeled as 8 noded 3D solid element with 3 degrees of freedom,
where as the steel reinforcement is modeled as uniaxial tension-compression
element having three translational degrees of freedom at each node. Instead of
modeling GFRP fabric in ABAQUS, the confinement pressure given by the GFRP is
calculated as per ACI 440 guidelines and which is given as lateral pressure to the
concrete specimen.

The Formula for finding the lateral confining pressure as per ACI 440 is given below
frp f frp
fl = (4.1)
2
4at frp
frp = (4.2)
a2

fl - lateral confining pressure

ffrp - Ultimate Tensile Strength
a - Side of a square column
tfrp - Thickness of GFRP fibre
frp - GFRP volumetric ratio

4.2 MODELING AND MESH GENERATION

ABAQUS modelling of concrete column is performed which includes modelling of

the concrete specimen and steel reinforcement, boundary conditions, application of
Axial load and lateral confining pressure and meshing the specimen. The modelling,
boundary conditions, load application and meshing are shown in the figures
4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4 respectively

14
ANALYTICAL STUDY CHAPTER 4

Figure 4.1: Modeling of concrete using 3D solid element

Figure 4.2 : Modeling of steel reinforcement using uniaxial tension element

15
ANALYTICAL STUDY CHAPTER 4

Figure 4.3: Assigning support conditions

Figure 4.4: Generation of mesh

16
 ANALYTICAL STUDY CHAPTER 4

4.3 ASSIGNING LOAD

After modelling and mesh generation, loading is given to the RC columns

both control and GFRP wrapped columns. For the control specimens only pure axial
load is given by giving a Reference point(RP) and for the GFRP wrapped specimens
both axial load and confining pressure is given. Confining pressure is given based
on the ACI 440.
The Final model showing the loading conditions is shown below in the figure 4.5,4.6
respectively.

Figure 4.5: Assigning the axial load at the top of the column

17
ANALYTICAL STUDY CHAPTER 4

Figure 4.6: Assigning lateral confining pressure to the column

Figure 4.7: Lateral confining pressure of GFRP wrapped specimen and

control specimen.

18
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter analytical and experimental results of all the four beams
are discussed. Out of Four beams one is control specimen(C) without any confinement,
one is single layer wrapped specimen(SW), one is double layer wrapped specimen(DW)
and the final specimen is Retrofitted single layer wrapped specimen(RSW).

5.2 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

To understand the behavior of control and GFRP wrapped specimens Ultimate load
carrying capacity and load deflection plot between control and GFRP wrapped
specimens is plotted.

5.2.1 ULTIMATE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

Results clearly indicate that the axial load capacity increases as the GFRP wrapping
is done, and as the no. of layers of GFRP increases axial load capacity also increases.
Increase of 24% and 34% in axial load carrying capacity were observed for single
layered and double layered specimens respectively

242
224

181

C
SW
DW

C SW DW

19
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

Figure 5.1: Comparison between Axial load capacity of control, single wrapped
and double wrapped specimens

5.3 AXIAL DEFECTION

Load vs. axial deformation behaviour for all columns is presented in Fig. 5.2. GFRP
wrapped columns have exhibited higher axial deformation as compared to that of control
columns. Minor difference in axial deformation behaviour is observed for single layer
wrapped(SW) and double layer wrapped(DW) GFRP wrapped RC columns.
300

250

200
Load(kN)

C
150
SW
100 DW

50

0
0 10 20 30
Deflction(mm)

. Figure 5.2: Axial Load vs.Axial deformation for all columns(C,SW,DW)

5.4 RETROFITTED SPECIMEN

The concrete specimen is loaded up to load of 126 kN till the appearance of initial
cracks then the specimen is unloaded and removed, then the specimen is wrapped with
GFRP fibres of single layer and tested, where the RSW failed at 104 kN, so the total
ultimate load carrying capacity is 230 kN. The results shows that Load carrying capacity
increases by 27% when compared with control specimen.From this we can infer that the
by confining the Cracked specimen

20
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

Ultimate load carrying capacity(kN)

250 230

200 181

150
C
100
RSW
50

0
C RSW

Figure 5.3: Ultimate load carrying capacity of control(C) and retroffited single
layer wrapped specimen(RSW)

Similarly Load vs. Deflection plot is plotted for both the specimens. The results shows
that Retrofitted single layered specimens(RSW) shows comparatively more ductile with
the control specimen.

140
120
Load(kN)

100
80
60
40
20
0
0 1 2 3
Deflection(mm)

Figure5.4: Axial load vs Axial deformation for control specimen up to 126 kN

21
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

120
100
80

Load(KN)
60
40
20
0
0 5 10
Deflection(mm)

Figure 5.5: Axial load vs. Axial deflection for retrofitted specimen

5.5 ANALYTICAL RESULTS

After doing the analysis using ABAQUS the results were noted down and it shows that
the analytical resuls show higher values than the experimentalreults.

Table 5.1: Experimental and analytical results of the specimens(C,SW,DW)

SPECIMENS ANALYTICAL (kN) EXPERIMENTAL (kN) A/E

C 207 181 1.14
SW 248 224 1.107
DW 278 242 1.148

22
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

Figure5.6 : ABAQUS model showing anlaysed model of GFRP confined RC

column

The chart showing the comparison between experimental and analytical specimens of
control(C), single layer wrapped(SW), Double layer wrapped(DW).is shown in the figure
5.7.

DW 278
242

SW 248
224
ANA

207 EXP
C
181

0 100 200 300

Load (kN)

Figure 5.7: Comparison of Axial load capacity of analytical and experimental

specimens(C,SW,DW)

23
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

The plot between experimental and analytical results of Axial load vs. Axial deformation
of specimen(C,SW,DW) is shown in the below figures 5.8,5.9,5.10 respectively.

250

200

Load(kN) 150

100 EXP
ANA
50

0
0 2 4 6
Deflection(mm)

Figure 5.8: comparision of Axial load vs axial deformation between Control (C)
experimental and analytical specimens

300

250

200
Load(kN)

ANA
150
EXP
100

50

0
0 10 20 30
Deflection (mm)

Figure 5.9: comparision of Axial load vs axial deformation between Single layer
wrapped(SW) experimental and analytical specimens

24
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

300

250

200

Load(kN)
150
EXP
100 ANA

50

0
0 10 20 30
Deflection(mm)

Figure 5.10: comparision of Axial load vs axial deformation between Double layer
wrapped(DW) experimental and analytical specimens.

From the graph we can infer that the analytical results shows higher ultimate load
carrying capacity than the experimental results and the lesser ductile nature compared
with the experimental results.

5.6 CRACK PATTERN

5.6.1 CRACK PATTERN OF CONTROL SPECIMENS

Control specimens have failed after reaching to their ultimate compressive

strength and that resulted into splitting of concrete. Majority of control specimens were
failed with blasting effect. The mode of failure has been characterized as splitting failure.
Initially the cracks started to appear at the top and bottom corners, then it propagates to
the middle of the column, leading to spalling of the concrete resulting in exposure of
steel reinforcement. During the application of load axial shortening of the steel
reinforcement occurs, though it is difficult to observe the axial shortening practically it
can be observed well using Finite Element packages like ABAQUS. But the crack
pattern using ABAQUS requires further investigations, which is not covered in the
current study.

25
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

Figure 5.11: Cracking pattern of control specimen

5.6.2 CRACK PATTERN OF GFRP WRAPPED SPECIMENS

All the confined columns were failed by the rupture of the GFRP fibres near the
corners. The GFRP and concrete at the top and bottom of the columns were still found
intact even before the time of failure. During the application of loading for the columns,
typical sound was heard signifying the straining of the GFRP fibres and the cracking of
the epoxy resin. Final failure for the column occurred suddenly with an explosive sound
leading to delamination of GFRP fibres.

26
TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 5

Figure 5.12: Cracking and Delamination of GFRP wrapped specimen

27
CONCLUSION AND SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION AND SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK

6.1 CONCLUSION

1. GFRP wrapping increases the axial load carrying capacity by providing

addition confinement to the concrete without increasing the original column
size.

2. Effective confinement with GFRP wrapping resulted in improving the

compressive strength, The single layer wrapped(SW) and double layer
wrapped (DW) GFRP specimens showed 24% and 34% higher load carrying
capacity compared with control specimens.

3. Retrofitted single layer wrapped specimen(RWS) showed 27% higher load

carrying capacity compared with control specimen.

4. The ductile nature of RC columns increases when the columns are wrapped
externally with GFRP confinement, it is inferred from the Axial Load vs. Axial
Deflection plots of both control and wrapped specimens.

5. The single layer wrapped(SW) and double layer wrapped(DW) showed

almost same ductile nature, hence by increasing no. of layers load carrying
capacity increases but ductility not increases to a greater extent, mild
variation only observed.

6. The analytical results shows better and over estimated results than the
experimental study up to 14%, it shows that some proper care should be
taken while wrapping the GFRP sheets to achieve complete confinement.

7. From The Axial Load vs. Axial Deflection curves it is inferred that the
analytical results shows less ductile behaviour compared with experimental
results.

28
CONCLUSION AND SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK CHAPTER 6

6.2 SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK

In the present study the analytical and experimental work of GFRP wrapped
specimens were performed where in the analytical work, where the Axial load
carrying capacity and ductility were studied and compared with the experimental
results. But regarding crack pattern it becomes complex task to perform the analytical
work and suggest the crack pattern. Hence using FE analysis some solutions to
crack pattern and mode of failure must be done to study the failure modes of GFRP
wrapped specimens and its behaviour, which can also be compared with the
experimental results.

29
CONCLUSION AND SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK CHAPTER 6

REFERENCES
[1] ACI 440.2R-08, Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP
Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures.

[2] Amit.R.Chougule , Experimentation on Strengthening of R. C. Long Columns with

Externally Bonded Glass Fibre Wrapping, ,volume 3 issue 12, International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)

[3] Atri Dave, Poojan Nagar, Jay Parmar, comparative study of GFRP laminated rc
column using experimental results and ISIS-canada, International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT).

[4] IS: 10262- 2009, Concrete Mix Proportioning-Guidelines.

[5] IS: 456-2000, Indian Standard Plain and Reinforced concrete - Code of Practice.

[6] J.G. Teng, Q.G. Xiao, T. Yub, L. Lam(2011), Three-dimensional finite element
analysis of reinforced concrete columns with FRP and/or steel confinement.

[7] M.S.Shetty, Concrete Technology, S.Chand & Company Ltd, 2009

[8] Rahul raval , Urmil Dave., Behavior of GFRP wrapped RC Columns of different
shapes, Procedia Engineering 51 ( 2013 ) 240 249,science direct.

[9] Riad Benzaid and Habib-Abdelhak Mesbah, Fiber Reinforced Polymers The
Technology Applied for Concrete Repair.

[10] Sung-Chul, Chun,Hyung-Chul Park(2009), Load carrying capacity and ductility of

RC columns confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymers,science direct.

30