Cyclic behavior of steel-FRP composite bars reinforced ultra-high performance concrete frames: Experimental, numerical, and restoring force model analysis
Zhang, Z. Ge, W.
Zhang, Z.
Ge, W.
Publication Date
2025-10-17
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© 2025 The Authors. This is the Author Accepted Manuscript of the article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) in accordance with the University of Bradford Rights Retention Policy.
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openAccess
Accepted for publication
2025-09-22
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Abstract
This study investigates the seismic performance of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) frame reinforced with steel-FRP composite bars (SFCBs) through cyclic loading tests, finite element modeling, and theoretical analysis. The effect of concrete strength and reinforcement type on the cyclic behavior of frames is examined, focusing on bearing capacity, ductility, performance degradation, energy dissipation, damage and repairability. A refined finite element model is developed using OpenSEES software, and parametric studies is conducted. Based on experimental and numerical results, a restoring force model for SFCB-UHPC frames is proposed. The results demonstrate that replacing normal strength concrete (NSC) with UHPC improves the initial stiffness, bearing capacity, and ductility, enhancing energy dissipation of frames. The steel bar-UHPC frame has a peak load 3.5% and 11% lower than the SFCB-UHPC and basalt FRP (BFRP)-UHPC frames, respectively, with peak displacements reduced by 24% and 42%. Compared with the steel bar-UHPC frame, the SFCB-UHPC frame shows slower performance degradation and better post-earthquake recovery. This study provides a theoretical basis for the analysis and design of SFCB-UHPC frames, offering promising advancements in structural resilience under extreme conditions.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Zhang Z, Ashour A, and Ge W (2025) Cyclic behavior of steel-FRP composite bars reinforced ultra-high performance concrete frames: Experimental, numerical, and restoring force model analysis. Construction and Building Materials. 495: 143745.
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Article