Prediction of ultimate strength of FRP confined steel reinforced concrete columns subjected to eccentric compression loads

Understanding the mechanical behavior of FRP confined steel reinforced concrete (FCSRC) columns under eccentric loads provides a theoretical support for optimizing its structural performance subjected to complex load conditions. This study was dedicated to developing a new strength model to predict the ultimate load capacity of FCSRC columns under eccentric compression loads. The proposed model introduced the unified strength theory as a framework, meanwhile accounted for the effect of effective steel flange width and combined confinement from Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) tube and steel section. The applicability of the strength model was estimated by comparing it with available test results under the same load conditions. The results showed that this model provided a favorable prediction for ultimate eccentric compression loads of FCSRC columns with different concrete strengths, consistent with the experimental findings. Also, it can give a better estimation of the load capacity of FCSRC columns suffering from concentric compression loads.