Novel hybrid FRP tubular columns for sustainable mining infrastructure: Recent research at University of Wollongong

This paper introduces, for applications in the mining industry, an innovative hybrid column form which consists of an inner steel tube, an outer fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube and an annular concrete infill between them. The two tubes may be concentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for columns, or eccentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for beams. The FRP is combined with steel and concrete in these hybrid structural members in such a way that the advantages of FRP are appropriately exploited while its disadvantages are minimized. As a result, these hybrid members possess excellent corrosion resistance as well as excellent ductility and seismic resistance. This paper summarizes existing research on this new form of structural members, and discusses their potential applications in mining infrastructure before presenting a summary of the recent and current studies at University of Wollongong (UOW) on their structural behaviour and design.