Fiber Reinforced Polymer Column Collapse - A Multi-Disciplinary Investigation

An industrial cooling tower, supported by hollow fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) columns, suffered from partial collapse within five to ten years of construction. The remaining support columns suffered from substantial blistering, and splitting or spIaying along the corners, with the most severe cases exhibiting buckling of each of the four faces. In this talk, we will detail the investigative steps taken to assess the condition of the FRP columns utilized in the structure. This well-rounded assessment included a review of the design, field observation, microscopical examination, chemical testing, environmental exposures, and small- and large- scale physical testing of the FRP columns. Computation modelling, in the form of finite element analyses was also undertaken to assess the stresses inherent to the material and structure. The ultimate factors which contributed to the collapse will be detailed, inclusive of the defective design elements and defective material composition and fabrication.