Hybrid high performance structural column with rubberized concrete optimized for axial compressive loading

Rubberised concrete is the new age construction material that has emerged as a promising sustainable solution for structural members that require high energy dissipation, damping potential, and ductility. Outer confinement of rubberised concrete negates the effect of reduced compressive strength due to the use of rubber aggregates. This project explores the behaviour of double skin tube columns with rubberised concrete infill under the confinement of steel and filament wound FRP tubes. The prefabricated FRP tube possesses considerable strength and stiffness in the longitudinal direction so that it behaves substantially different from columns with FRP wrap that contains fibres commonly in the hoop direction.

The concept of using prefabricated FRP tube is new and there is limited research on the behaviour of double skin tubular column with rubberized concrete under axial compression. Experimental investigation on different parameters involving material and cross sectional properties has been undertaken.  Moreover, finite element (FE) modelling techniques will be developed to validate the experimental model. Furthermore, the effects of steel section grade, rubber replacement ratio, diameter to thickness ratio, FRP tube thickness, void ratio, outer to inner tube thickness ratio will also be investigated through the detailed parametric studies. The outcomes of this project will provide important research findings, and build on knowledge in terms of the performance and longevity of the columns under seismic and impact loading with applications in mining infrastructure.