Title:
Flexural Load Tests on New Spun-Cast Concrete-Filled Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tubular Poles
Author(s):
Yazan Qasrawi and Amir Fam
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
105
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
750-759
Keywords:
bending; centrifugally cast; FRP tube; pole.
DOI:
10.14359/20103
Date:
11/1/2008
Abstract:
This paper presents an experimental investigation of the flexural performance of a novel spun-cast concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tube (SCCFT) proposed for pole applications. Eight specimens, including six 2.8 m (9.2 ft) long SCCFT and two control specimens, were tested in three- and four-point bending. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP] tubes of 326 mm (12.8 in.) diameter and different thicknesses and laminate structures were used in the SCCFTs and in one control specimen completely filled with concrete. An additional control specimen was cut from a conventional prestressed spun-cast pole and tested for comparison. The main parameters studied were the tube’s laminate structure and thickness, concrete wall thickness, and the effect of adding longitudinal steel reinforcement. SCCFTs showed similar strength to conventional prestressed spun-cast poles of equivalent reinforcement index, but were lower in stiffness. The SCCFT with a 0.6 inner-to-outer diameter ratio (Di /Do) achieved the same strength of the totally filled tube, and failure occurred in the FRP tube. On the other hand, the SCCFT with a 0.72(Di /Do) failed at a lower strength by an inward spalling of the thin concrete wall, and the FRP tube did not reach its full strength.