Pollution Research Paper

STRENGTHENING OF RCC COLUMN TO AVOID BUILDING DEBRIES

R. BALAMURUGAN, S. JAYNATHI, G.S. THIRUGNANAM

Abstract

When an existing building is demolished the debris is dumped in unused lands, particularly in the outskirts of the city. For any growing town or city, managing the building debris is a problem. It is mostly not reused or is used as a filling material in sonic areas. To avoid this problem existing structures can be strengthened. Columns are one of the main components of the structures. Substantial progress has been made over the past decades in the use of composites in the construction industries, which includes the use of confinement like PVC, FRP, STEEL, AC PIPE, and WELD MESHES etc. It reduces the problems associated with deterioration of the infrastructures. The confinement should be adequate to develop the flexural hinges and to provide sufficient ductility. This paper presents the results of a study on the axial compressive strength of columns strengthened with PVC wrap. The experimental part of the study included testing six reinforced concrete columns in three series. The first series comprised two similar circular plain concrete columns strengthened with PVC wrap. The second series consisted of two similar circular columns with nominal reinto cement strengthened with PVC wrap. The third series comprised two similar circular RCC columns confined with one layer of chicken mesh and one layer of weld mesh and outer confined with PVC wrap. Axial compressive load was applied to the specimen by UTM in predetermined increments of loads up to failure of the specimen. The ultimate crushing strength was noted for each specimen and the results are compared with that of the control specimen. According to the test results, the PVC wrap increases the strength of circular columns. The conventional RCC column when subjected to direct compression may not reach its ultimate load carrying capacity because of the premature buckling. This experimental study shows clearly that when the conventional concrete is confined by an external confinement, the load carrying capacity is considerably increased.