Cyclic loading test for columns made with ultra-strength fiber-reinforced concrete and trace analyses using finite element analyses

First, cyclic loading tests were conducted on scaled-down bridge column models using normal- and ultra-strength fiber-reinforced concrete made with polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVA-UFC) and normal- and ultrahigh-strength rebars. The experimental results were compared, focusing on the relation between load and displacement, skeleton, crack distribution, and failure modes. Second, in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the cyclic loading test by finite element (FE) analysis, trace analyses were carried out. The FE analyses investigated the applicability of the conventional analytical model of concrete for PVA-UFC. Compared with the experimental results, overall hysteresis loops and maximum strength responses were reproduced with sufficient accuracy by using adequate analytical models. Lastly, parametric analyses were conducted on varying cross-sectional areas of columns, and the extent to which cross-sectional areas could be reduced by using UFC was investigated.