Evaluation Effects of the Short- and Long-Term Freeze-Thaw Exposure on the Axial Behavior of Concrete-Filled Glass Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer Tubes

Abstract EN

Previous studies have demonstrated the high performance of the concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) as a stay-in-place formwork and confining material for concrete structures.

However, there are several concerns related to the behavior of CFFT as a protective jacket against harsh environmental effects.

The environmental effects such as freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salt solutions may affect materials properties, which may affect the structural response of CFFT members as well.

This paper presents the test results of experimental investigation on the durability of short- and long-term behaviors of CFFT members.

Test variables included the effect of confining using GFRP tubes, freeze-thaw cycles exposure in salt water, and the number of freeze-thaw cycles.

CFFT cylinders (150 × 300 mm) were prepared and exposed to 100 and 300 freeze-thaw cycles in salt water condition.

Then, pure axial compression tests were conducted in order to evaluate the performance of specimens due to freeze-thaw exposure, by comparing the stress-strain behavior and their ultimate load capacities.

Test results indicated that the confinement using CFFT technique significantly protected the concrete when subjected to freeze-thaw exposure.