Shear response of concrete-filled FRP composite cylindrical shells

This paper presents an analytical procedure for predicting the shear load-deformation response of concrete filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite cylindrical shells with full- and noncomposite behavior. The approach is based on a sectional layered analysis with an iterative algorithm to achieve equilibrium and compatibility conditions of the FRP/concrete system, including the cracked behavior of the FRP-confined concrete, until first-ply failure of the FRP composite. The model follows first order mechanics for the shear behavior of structural members in combination with a smeared shear modulus for cracked concrete and inclusion of extension/shear coupling effects of anisotropic FRP laminates. Comparisons of the analytical response with available experimental data from large- and small-scale tests were found to be in reasonable agreement and corroborated the significant influence of the concrete core and the composite interaction details on the shear load-deformation response. Parametric studies on the influence of concrete properties, axial loads, and FRP laminate design are discussed.