Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Reinforced Circular Columns under Simulated Seismic Loads

This paper presents the experimental results of nine large-scale circular concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal and transverse glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. These specimens were tested under lateral cyclic quasi-static loading while simultaneously subjected to constant axial load. Based on the measured hysteretic loops of moment-versus-curvature and shear-versus-tip deflection relationships, a series of parameters related to ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and flexural strength are used to evaluate the seismic behavior of each column. The results showed that concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars and spirals can behave in a manner that has stable post-peak response and achieve high levels of deformability. The results indicate that, as a relatively new material with excellent corrosion resistance and high strength-weight ratio, GFRP bars can be successfully used as internal reinforcement in ductile concrete columns.