Technical Feasibility Study of Fibre Reinforced Polymers Confined Reinforced Concrete Driven Piles Subjected To Vertical Loads

Abstract

In the study of the behaviour of the pile under static and dynamic loading, the soil pile interaction plays a pivotal role. Moreover, it affects the response of the pile and the soil behaviour. To improve the safety of structures, a detailed analysis is essential to predict its structural behaviour accurately. Due to its non-linearity, the soil pile system is complex. A careful study of the soil- pile behaviour characteristics is vital due to the liability of the influencing factors. Also, it necessitates the use of sophisticated Finite Element (FEM) Software to validate the experimental test results critically. Conventional retrofitting methods that use cement and steel substances do not continuously produce the most suitable results. However, FRP based retrofitting techniques could provide more reasonable and exactly higher substitute to the conventional construction methods in several circumstances. Various research works have been presented demonstrating how to make larger use of FRP substances in the construction industries. This study brings out the safe and commercial application of FRP as a strengthening material. Further the compressive, split tensile and flexural response of FRP confined concrete samples were also studied. A detailed analysis involving the conduct of experimental analysis to study the soil pile behaviour under static loading has been carried out in the present work. To further improve the performance of the pile the investigation was extended by carrying out loading tests on piles with different types of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) laminates which included Basalt, Carbon, Glass, Aramid and polypropylene. The research focusses on the study of the interfacial behaviour, the effectiveness of FRP strengthened RC piles under vertical loads, load transfer capacity and other parameters which influence the soil pile interaction characteristics The experimental analysis reveal that the interface friction angle is significantly altered with respect to the soil types and its gradation, fibre types (aramid, basalt, carbon and glass), orientation of fibres to loading and surface roughness of specimens. In addition, the load bearing capacity of the piles is significantly affected by the surface roughness of piles. It is also concluded that the load carrying capacity is increased if the fibre is oriented towards the circumference of the piles than the length of pile. Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Polymer (PFRP) confined piles proved to be effective in load bearing capacity than any other FRP composites. newline newline newline