Axial compressive behavior of RC prisms confined by CFRP mesh stirrups, simulating compression zone in conventional structural walls

초록

This study investigated the axial compressive performance of rectangular reinforced concrete prisms confined using carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) mesh stirrups under both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. The study focused on evaluating the effects of transverse reinforcement ratios (number of CFRP layers), transverse reinforcement type, CFRP mesh configuration, axial loading conditions, and varying loading rates on the confinement behavior of the test specimens. The researchers tested fourteen small-scale reinforced concrete (RC) prisms with results indicating that CFRP mesh confinement significantly enhanced ductility (up to 133.8 %), load capacity (20-39 % higher), and energy dissipation compared with unconfined and steel-confined counterparts. Under cyclic loading, the CFRP-confined prisms exhibited superior post-peak behavior, with the ultimate strains exceeding those of the monotonically loaded specimens. The researchers developed an analytical model to predict the compressive load-displacement curve, which demonstrated reasonable agreement with the experimental data. These findings highlight the potential of CFRP mesh as an effective alternative to traditional transverse steel reinforcement, particularly in seismic-prone regions, offering improved confinement efficiency and durability.

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