BUCKLLING RESISTANCE OF TUBULAR STEEL COLUMN INFILLED WITH ECC STRENGHTENED WITH CARBON FIBRE REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE

Abstract

This study examines the web buckling resistance of tabular steel columns reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite (CFRP) and filled with engineered cementitious composites (ECC). While CFRP offers improved strength and stiffness, the use of ECC as an infill material gives special ductility and energy dissipation properties. In seismically vulnerable areas, the combination of these materials satisfies the demand for resilient structural systems and promotes effective space utilisation in buildings. To evaluate the performance of ECC-infilled steel columns under axial and lateral loading circumstances, experimental and analytical approaches are used in the research. The structural behaviour, load-carrying ability, and deformation characteristics of the columns are assessed by a series of laboratory tests. It is found that the result of this study reveals the significant enhancement in the overall structural performance of tabular steel columns infilled with ECC and strengthened with CFRP. The combination of these materials effectively delays web buckling, increases load-carrying capacity and strength, and enhances energy dissipation capacity, making them a promising solution for improving the seismic resilience of structures. The research findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable and resilient construction practices, with potential applications in a wide range of civil engineering projects.