Experimental study on the fully encased composite short columns made with high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete

The present study investigated the fully encased composite columns (FECC) made with high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete. The columns were fabricated with high-strength concrete with the addition of 0.6% of steel fibre. A total of six fully encased composite columns were cast and tested under axial compression after a curing period of 28 days. The main parameters were studied, including the axial load-carrying capacity, axial -displacement, peak ductility and mode of failure of columns. The performance of FECC is increased by adding 0.6% steel fibre. The 0.6% steel fibre prevents the concrete cover spalling (CCS) and increases the load-carrying capacity of columns. Three types of tie spacings were used: 100, 80, and 60 mm. Based on the experimental study, the axial load-carrying capacity of the columns was enhanced by the reduced spacing of the tie reinforcement. Experimental test results were compared to previous literature studies using codes EN 1994-1-1 and JGJ 138-2016. The EN 1994-1-1 and JGJ 138-2016 codes were extended to two statistical proposal methods. The results of proposed method-1 highlight its superior performance compared to the other proposed method-2 and two codes. Proposed method-1 validation adds credence to its dependability and prediction capacity for future occurrences.