Title: Field Applications of Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes for Marine Piles

Author(s): A. Fam, R. Greene, and S. Rizkalla

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 215

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 161-180

Keywords: composites; concrete-filled; fender; fiber reinforced polymer (FRP); marine; pile; tube

DOI: 10.14359/12864

Date: 8/1/2003

Abstract:
This paper presents eight field applications of an innovative composite pile in marine environments. The pile consists of a concrete-filled circular fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube. No internal reinforcement was necessary in this system since the FRP tube acted as reinforcement in the axial and hoop directions, in addition to its function as a permanent formwork for the concrete. The field applications utilized the innovative piles in a variety of configurations including fender piles, dauphins, supports for marine structures and for bridge pier protection. In these applications, the pile is subjected to a variety of loading conditions including different levels of bending and axial compression loads. Prior to using the new piles in field installations, a large experimental program was initiated to examine the structural performance of the piles in bending, under axial loads and under combined bending and axial loads. The test results were used to verify analytical models, which were then used to develop simple design charts to be used by the designers. This paper describes the different field applications of the composite pile, a summary of the experimental program including test results, and the design charts.