Abstract
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This study presents results of an experimental investigation on the axial
compressive behaviour of concrete confined with polymer grid. A total of
14 concrete specimens with 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height were
prepared and tested under axial compression. Two types (Type A and Type
B) of polymer grid with different mechanical properties were selected. Type
A polymer grid (36 mm × 36 mm) was manufactured from polypropylene
fibres, while Type B polymer grid (36 mm × 24 mm) was manufactured
from high modulus polyester fibres. For each type of polymer grid, one
layer, two layers, and three layers were used to investigate the influence of
the amount of polymer grid confinement on the axial compressive
behaviour of concrete specimens. The test results show that concrete
specimens confined with polymer grid obtained much higher deformation
capacity than unconfined concrete specimens, although the improvement in
the strength was not highly significant. Type A polymer grid performed
better in improving the strength and deformation capacity of concrete
specimens than Type B polymer grid. The test results indicate that polymer
grid can be used as a secondary confinement reinforcement for concrete
specimens. Based on the analysis of test results in this study as well as test
results from previous studies, an empirical model for the polymer grid
confined concrete was developed. The developed empirical model predicts
the peak strength, axial strain at peak strength, strength at ultimate strain,
and ultimate strain of polymer grid confined concrete with good accuracy.