Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Ahsan Rafique Khokhar

Corrosion of steel reinforcement stands out as a significant factor limiting the life expectancy of reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to harsh natural & man-made (industrial) environment conditions. In the last decade, the use of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) as an alternative reinforcing material in RC structures has emerged as an innovative solution besides it provides a longer life span and pose nearly no maintenance requirements after being put in service.

In practical applications, RC members are usually subjected to numerous variable structural loadings resulting in torsional loads which consequently generates early cracking and brittle failure of the structural member, especially the hollow core, if not adequately designed.
In research side, there is limited understanding on the behaviour of GFRP usage in hollow core RC structural members under torsional loads and hence it is currently an evolving topic which researcher are exploring.

Enhancing the torsional capacity of RC beams while maintaining reasonably economic and efficient cross-sections poses a practical challenge. Thus, developing and testing optimum reinforcing techniques for enhancing the torsional capacity of RC members is a significant aspect. Among these is a promising technique of `continuous GFRP spiral reinforcement arrangement' that has presented enhancement in the torsional capacity of RC solid elements and it can similarly be employed in the hollow core elements.
The research knowledge and data that will be generated during his study will be beneficial in industrial usage and in the development of design codal specifications for GFRP reinforced hollow core circular members (GRHCCM).

Key words: GFRP bars, Hollow reinforced concrete beam, HRCB, GRHCCM, pure torsion, internal rebar, GFRP spiral transverse rebars, spiral pitch, circular section, hollow core

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 311088.