Use of a carbon-fiberreinforced polymer grid for precast concrete piles

Precast, prestressed concrete piles are typically reinforced with steel spirals to confine the concrete core to enhance its load-carrying capacity and ductility under the dynamic effect of the driving forces. The research presented in this paper comprises three studies. The first study investigated the bond strength of the proposed carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) grid using specially designed pull-out specimens. The second study evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed CFRP grid as a replacement for steel spirals for confining concrete. The third study included flexure testing of full-scale precast, prestressed concrete piles loaded to failure.