Experimental Investigation and Design of Hollow Section, Centrifugal Concrete-Filled GFRP Tube Columns

The compressive response of hollow section, centrifugal concrete-filled GFRP tube (HS-CFGT) members is examined experimentally and reported analytically in this paper. A total of 17 specimens separated into two groups were tested; the specimens in each group were of four different lengths and included thirteen straight columns and four tapered columns. The details of the test rigs, procedures as well as key test observations composed of ultimate-moment capacities, load-displacement curves, and failure modes were truthfully reported. The test results were analyzed to evaluate the influence of initial eccentricity on the structural performance. Therefore, the aim of this paper is: (1) to propose a proper coefficient, φe, reflecting the effect of initial eccentricity based on the Chinese design code; and (2) to determine a new confinement coefficient, kcc = 1.10, for centrifugal concrete confined by GFRP tubes. Comparisons of the present design codes and specifications of confined concrete members with test results on 17 full-scale tube columns are also presented. Accordingly, new design equations, whose predictions generally agree well with the test results, are recommended to estimate the compressive capacity of the proposed HS-CFGT columns.

Buckling of Tapered Heavy Columns with Constant Volume

This paper studies the buckling of standing columns under self-weight and tip load. An emphasis is placed on linearly tapered columns with regular polygons cross-section whose volume is constant. Five end conditions for columns are considered. The differential equation governing the buckling shapes of the column is derived based on the equilibrium equations of the buckled column elements. The governing equation is numerically integrated using the direct integration method, and the eigenvalue is obtained using the determinant search method. The accuracy of the method is verified against the existing solutions for particular cases. The effects of side number, taper ratio, self-weight, and end condition on the buckling load and mode shape are investigated. The contribution of self-weight acting alone to the buckling response is also explored. For a given column volume, especially, the buckling length and its stress distribution of the columns with different geometries and end conditions are estimated.

Exact Solutions for Free Vibrations and Buckling of Double Tapered Columns With Elastic Foundation and Tip Mass

The present study aims at the free vibration analysis of double tapered columns. Foundation is assumed to be elastic and the effects of self-weight and tip mass with significant moment of inertia are considered. The governing equation of motion is obtained using the Hamilton principle, based on both the Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam models. Applying the power series method of Frobenius, the base solutions of the governing equations are obtained in the form of a power series via general recursive relations. Applying the boundary conditions, the natural frequencies of the beam/column are obtained using both models. The obtained results are compared with literature and a very good agreement is achieved. Subsequently, comprehensive studies are performed to provide an insight into the variation of the natural frequencies and instability conditions of the beam with respect to the tip mass, self-weight, taper ratio, slenderness, and foundation stiffness and eventually some general conclusions are drawn.