ABSTRACT

Columns are very important components of structures ranging from high rise structures to bridges. Due to their function, extra care is usually taken in designing columns to ensure that they efficiently support the structure and transmit loads to the foundation. Concrete is an excellent material in compression hence it is the most common material used. Materials like reinforcement bars, structural steel and fiber reinforce polymer (FRP) have been discovered to improve the carrying capacity of columns. The advantages of these materials have not been fully harnessed in construction of columns and other structural elements. Hence the need to compare the behaviours of columns made with different materials.

This project researched into different composites used for column construction, modeled and analyzed them using finite element method with the use of ANSYS since testing these materials in a laboratory experimentally to determine their behaviours is quite intense and economically inefficient. The three types of columns modelled include Reinforced concrete column, steel composite column and reinforced concrete column with CFRP jacket.

The columns were tested and results for equivalent stress, equivalent strain and total deformation for each column are compared. From the results, it can be deduced that though reinforced concrete columns have amazing properties, steel composite column and Reinforced concrete column wrapped with CFRP jacket perform better in handing loads.