IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308 _______________________________________________________________________________________ Volume: 04 Issue: 09 | September-2015, Available @ http://www.ijret.org 39 EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON PVC ENCASED COLUMNS H. Eramma 1 , Madhukar.N.J 2 1 Associate Professor,University B.D.T College of Engineering, Constituent College of VTU, Davangere -577004, KARNATAKA, INDIA, h.earamma@gmail.com 2 PG, Student(CADS), University B.D.T College of Engineering, Constituent College of VTU, Davangere -577004, KARNATAKA, INDIA., njmadhukar@gmail.com Abstract In the present study, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) tubes filled with concrete are axially loaded until failure of the specimen to investigate their load carrying capacity. Total eighteen specimens of PVC tubes of diameter 150 mm with effective lengths of 500 mm, 600 mm, and 700mm were cast. M 20 grade of concrete of two different mixes having two different sizes of aggregate 6.3mm and 10mm was filled inside the tubes for casting of PVC concrete filled tube (CFT) column specimens. The column specimens were tested for axial loading in the UTM machine of capacity 100 tons. Their load-displacement curves and stress-strain curves were recorded. Theoretical and experimental results were compared and tabulated and it was found to be 1.36% & 35.55 % for 6.3 mm size and 11.28% & 27.46% for 10 mm size of aggregates as conservative side as increased with compressive strength of PVC Concrete Filled Tube Columns experimentally and catalogue results when compared with theoretical results. Keywords: PVC Pipe, CFTC, M20, Strength. --------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION Plastic have exceptional properties which make these materials attractive for different structural applications. Some of these properties include high resistance to severe environmental attacks, electromagnetic transparency, and high strength to weight ratios. Due to these properties there is a great demand for structures such as piling, poles highway overhand signs and bridge substructures to be made of materials that are more durable in comparison to traditional materials and system. PVC is extensively used in the building industry as a low- maintenance material, particularly in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and in the United States. In the USA it is known as vinyl, or vinyl siding. The material comes in a range of colours and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, and is used as a substitute for painted wood, mostly for window frames and sills when installing double glazing in new buildings, or to replace older single-glazed windows. Other uses include fascia, and siding or weatherboarding. This material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being used for waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters and downspouts. PVC is known as having strong resistance against chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. If structural CFT Columns can be developed from PVC Tubes, which is locally available in abundance, it would be a milestone achievement for the local construction industries. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of using PVC Tubes for CFT Columns when it is axially loaded to investigate their load carrying capacity and associated ductility. The objectives are briefly summarized below:  To study the PVC Tubes subjected to axial loading by considering Length.  To study the influence of concrete strength by using two different sizes of coarse aggregate 6.3mm and 10 mm using design mix method as per IS:10262-1982.  To study the strength and confinement of concrete filled PVC pipes. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY MATERIALS USED PVC Pipes,Cement, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate & water as shown in Plate(1)& (2)