A state-of art-review of materials, methods, and applications of PVC-FRP-confined concrete

This study presents a review of the up-to-date research work carried out on the PVC-FRP-confined concrete. In such a composite system, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube acts as a formwork, while the externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) acts as reinforcement in the hoop directions. Acceptable design of PVC-FRP-confined concrete (PFCC) relies highly on the comprehensive understanding of the material properties of its individual components. The experimental characterization of the components and the typical construction processes of PVC-FRP hybrid tube are discussed in order to put forward a perspective on the evolution of fundamentals of the composite system and latest technologies and assessing constraints on its real life applications. Different techniques of surface texture (grooving patterns) and FRP wrapping (partial and full FRP wrapping), and potential applications of PFCC members are reviewed. A discussion of the reported experimental and analytical results and a comparison of the models used to predict the capacity of the composite system are presented. For compression members strengthened with the composite tube, a database of 47 short columns was assembled and statistical indexes were used for assessing the performance of PFCC columns. Simple strength and ultimate strain equations are developed, conclusions are drawn, and potential future research areas are highlighted.