Experimental study on hollow GFRP-confined reinforced concrete columns under eccentric loading

Hollow reinforced concrete columns confined with GFRP tubes (GRCH) are composite members composed of the outer GFRP tube, the PVC or other plastic tube as the inner tube, and the reinforced concrete between two tubes. Because of their high ductility, light weight, corrosion resistance and convenient construction, many researchers pay attention to the composite members. However, there are few studies on GRCH members under eccentric compression compared with those under axial compression. Eight hollow columns were tested under eccentric compression, including one axial compression column and seven eccentric compression columns. The failure modes and force mechanisms of GRCH members were analyzed, considering the varying in hollow ratio, reinforcement ratio and eccentricity. The test results showed that configuring steel bars can greatly increase the bearing capacity and ductility of the members. Each component (GFRP tube, concrete, steel bar) had good deformation coordination and the strength of each material could be fully utilized. But for specimens with larger eccentricity ratio (er=0.4) and larger hollow ratio (x=0.55), the restraining effect of GFRP tube on concrete was significantly decreased.