Fiber reinforced polymer piles: exploring properties and performance through finite element modelling
摘要
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials have gained considerable attention as a promising choice for reinforcing piles due to their excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. This study focuses on assessing the mechanical strength of piles with and without FRP reinforcement, specifically utilizing carbon fiber reinforcement polymer (CFRP) and basalt fiber reinforcement polymer (BFRP). Numerical modelling of FRP piles was conducted using ABAQUS software, employing a Concrete Damage Plasticity model and performing a four-point bending test. Experimental work was also conducted to determine the compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the FRP materials. The results indicate that the flexural strength of the conventional beam, CFRP beam, and BFRP beam were measured as 4.2 MPa, 7 MPa, and 6.6 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, a validation study comparing the experimental and numerical modelling results revealed an error difference of 6.3%, 5.1%, and 6% in the flexural strength, respectively. Evaluation of Pile performance through Strength, Failure Analysis, and Stress–Strain profile modelling. Comparing three different cases, it was determined that fully wrapped CFRP piles demonstrated superior load-bearing capacity and stiffness under lateral loads compared to the other cases. This study holds importance in reducing maintenance costs and decreases the risk of damage or failure of piles in marine environments throughout their service life.