Structural Performance of Infilled Steel–Concrete Composite Thin-Walled Columns Combined with FRP and CFRP: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Fiber addition enhances the composite action between the steel tube and concrete core, increasing the strength of the concrete core. To better understand how fiber-reinforced infilled steel–concrete composite thin-walled columns (SCTWCs) behave, multiple investigations have been conducted using both experimental and analytical methods. This article provides a comprehensive review of SCTWCs’ confinement approaches using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). In this research, the behavior and formation of FRP and CFRP wrappings of the SCTWCs are reviewed and discussed. The ability of the FRP to serve as a confining material and reinforcement for the columns has increased its use in columns applications. The FRP can be applied to reinforce the structures from the exterior. By applying the CFRP strips, the columns’ load-carrying capacity is improved up to 30% when compared with their corresponding un-strengthened columns. External bonding of the CFRP strips efficiently creates external confinement pressure, prevents local buckling of the steel tubes, and enhances the load-carrying capacity of the SCTWCs. The primary goal is to facilitate a clear understanding of the SCTWCs. This article helps structural researchers and engineers better understand the behavior of the SCTWCs that include the FRP and CFRP composites as external reinforcement. Future research directions are also suggested, which utilize previous research works.