Compressive stress-strain model for confined lightweight concrete subjected to short-term loading

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical stress-strain model to predict the compressive stress-strain characteristic of confined lightweight concrete subjected to short-term loading. Lightweight concrete is made with expanded clay lightweight coarse aggregate. Confinement used is a combination of lateral reinforcement and short steel fibres. In this paper, performance of the model is also examined by comparing predicted stress-strain profiles of the model with experimental profiles of reinforced columns tested under uniformly distributed axial loading. Favourable agreement between the predicted profiles and measured ones is observed. This agreement not only indicates the accuracy of the prediction, but also proves the validity of the model. Using the model in analysis of fibre-reinforced lightweight concrete members, reliable accuracy of the analysis would be ensured, heading towards the most favourable structural design.