EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF CIRCULAR ALUMINUM COLUMNS ENHANCED BY FRP

Abstract

In structural engineering, introducing an efficient structural elements with high ratio of strength or ductility to weight is a challenge. This paper is presenting and developing aluminum columns having circular hollow section strengthened with CFRP possess the highest specific (divided - by weight) mechanical properties to be advantageous in lightweight and space limited structures. The structural performance of these columns was investigated experimentally by using different strengthening orient styles and CFRP piling layers. The column specimens were subjected to uniform axial compression. The strength, ductility, axial load- shortening displacement relationships, lateral strains, and failure modes of columns were presented. Designing guideline empirical equations were derived from experimental results, the predicted unfactored strengths are found to be in a good agreement with the experimental values.