Partially encased composite columns using fiber reinforced concrete: experimental study

This paper addresses the results of an experimental study involving 10 partially encased composite columns under concentric and eccentric compressive loads. Parameters such as slenderness ratio, ordinary reinforced concrete and fiber reinforced concrete, load eccentricity and bending axis were investigated. The specimens were tested to investigate the effects of replacing the ordinary reinforced concrete by fiber reinforced concrete on the load capacity and behavior of short and slender composite columns. Various characteristics such as load capacity, axial strains behavior, stiffness, strains on steel and concrete and failure mode are discussed. The main conclusions that may be drawn from all the test results is that the behavior and ultimate load are rather sensitive to the slenderness of the columns and to the eccentricity of loading, specially the bending axis. Experimental results also indicate that replacing the ordinary reinforced concrete by steel fiber reinforced concrete has no considerable effects on the load capacity and behavior of the short and slender columns and the proposed replacement presented very good results.