Numerical modeling of square steel members wrapped by cfrp composites

Abstract

HSS (Hollow Structural Steel) tubular members used in buildings and bridges for structural application is rapidly developing technique in the recent era. Since, they have many advantages over RC structural members. This paper presents the application of CFRP on HSS tubular members under axial compression. Typical failure occurred during axial loading was local buckling, and this could be reduced by wrapping CFRP sheets around the HSS tubular columns were investigated experimentally. Eight steel samples are used in this test. Among eight specimens, two are unwrapped and the remaining six columns are externally wrapped by CFRP. CFRP sheets are used as strips, and the width of the sheets are constant. The spacing between the CFRP sheets is also constant. All columns are tested in column tester till the maximum to understand their failure modes, Ultimate load, load Vs. Displacement, Stress-Strain behaviour and Ductility index. Finally, results obtained from the experimental investigation could be validated with ANSYS software. The ultimate load and displacements from ANSYS validation are closely match with test results.