Axial compressive performance of laminated bamboo column with aramid fiber reinforced polymer

This paper presents test results obtained from an experimental investigation to check the feasibility of reinforcing laminated bamboo columns by using aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites and to examine the effect of slenderness ratio on AFRP reinforced columns. Eighteen full-scale columns were grouped into 6 slenderness categories including 3 specimens without AFRP reinforcements. Obtained results were used to study the effect of AFRP on failure modes, ultimate load carrying capacities and displacements for columns with carrying slenderness ratios. The use of AFRP reinforcements had obvious effects on failure modes. Existing relevant analytical models were used to check their suitability in predicting compression resistance of the considered columns but obtained comparisons showed significant room for improvement. Two equations are proposed herein, based on experimental evidence, to predicted the ultimate load carrying capacity of AFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns. The proposed equations showed good agreement with test results.