Experimental Comparison of the Performance and Residual Capacity of CFFT and RC Bridge Columns Subjected to Blasts

Abstract

The blast performance of concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) bridge columns was studied through a two-phase study comprised of blast and residual axial capacity experiments. Two one-fifth-scale CFFT columns and two one-fifth-scale conventional RC columns having comparable flexural capacities were subjected to distinct levels of explosive loading, causing damage but not complete failure. The blast resilience of the damaged columns was quantified by measuring the residual axial capacity of each column. The damaged CFFT columns exhibited superior strength and ductility retention compared with the damaged RC columns. Additionally, the damaged CFFT columns demonstrated a more predictable axial compressive mode of failure because the exterior FRP tube resisted the shear crack initiation observed in the damaged RC columns.