Improvement in the Compressive Behavior of RC Column by Encasing in HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Tubes

Abstract

In this paper, the investigation of a new column type is presented, specifically Column confined with HDPE and stirrups (CHS) and column confined with HDPE only (CH) columns. The first set of columns are confined with HDPE externally and steel stirrups internally and concrete filled in the core area, while the second set of columns is confined only with HDPE externally. A number of axial compression tests were conducted on CHS, CH, and control columns, and characteristics such as the thickness of HDPE (high density polyethylene) tubes, the diameter of the column, and the availability of stirrups were studied. The test findings indicate that the concrete-filled HDPE tube columns increase peak stresses by up to 170 percent and have outstanding ductility, while the inner steel stirrup confinement system offers effective confinement for CHS. The HDPE-confined columns demonstrated superior compressive strength, energy absorption, and compressive toughness compared to the control columns. The deformation behaviour of concrete in CHS with HDPE is somewhat less than in CH with HDPE alone. The unique column shape is well suited for maritime structures, bridges, and subterranean structures where a novel supporting system is required to have both a high deformation capacity and a high-water resistance.