Investigation of Bridge Columns Retrofitted with FRP Composites

To make a precise investigation of bridge pier strengthened with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, two types of pier columns with rectangular and circular cross sections, retrofitted with various methods of composite wreathing, and under different loading conditions were studied using finite element method. Concrete was modeled employing the octal-nodular three-dimensional element with the ability to consider fraction under tension and failure under pressure.In order to model the longitudinal reinforcement, a bi-nodular one axial pressure-tension element was used. Cross bars were arranged as a percentage of volume in concrete element. The FRP composite material was modeled by using layered octal-nodular three-dimensional element. The results of this research demonstrated that with wreathing all around a pier column, the ductility and resistance capacity increases in both types of piers’ cross sections. However, more increase in the measured ductility and strength could be identified in rectangular and circular sections, respectively.