Ultimate strengths of FRC rectangular columns subjected to simulated seismic loading: Experimental database and new models

While there are many experimental investigations focusing on seismic behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) columns, the studies regarding the accuracies and conservativeness of existing seismic strength models of FRC columns are limited. This paper presents a seismic research database of 322 FRC columns obtained from a comprehensive literature investigation. The characteristic of the database and the effects of main variables on the seismic strengths of FRC columns are analyzed in detail, the accuracies of existing strength models of FRC column are also examined as well. In addition, using the database, considering the effects of fibre and other structural factors on FRC columns, Priestley et al. shear and CFB-FIP moment models are modified respectively. Results show that the two proposed strength models both present better evaluation than other models. On the other hand, a detailed method for assessing the potential failure mode of FRC column subjected to seismic loads is also suggested using the two strength models. The comparative results verify the feasibilities and accuracies of the assessment method in FRC columns.