Performance-Based Environmental Assessment of FRP-Confined Concrete Stub Columns: Investigation on FRP Types

The use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in the construction of FRP-confined concrete columns (FCCs) is increasingly common for both new construction and the strengthening of existing structures. Given the current need to reduce the environmental impact of concrete construction and the ability of FCCs to minimize the overall dimension of columns by enhancing performance through confinement, it is now necessary to better understand the relationship between the mechanical performance of FCCs and their environmental impact. To achieve this outcome, cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessments (LCA) are performed on a large number of tested and simulated specimens to quantify the global warming potential and embodied energy of FCCs constructed with FRPs and concretes with a range of mechanical properties and to link environmental impact with observed performance. Analysis is conducted using a set of five functional units to first identify the environmental impact of FRP at the material level in relation to composite mechanical properties. It is observed that basalt and carbon fibers have superior environmental and mechanical performance when compared with aramid and glass fibers. The analysis is then repeated at the member level where it is observed that basalt fibers deliver the best environmental performance relative to the stress and strain enhancement provided to the concrete core.