In this paper, a new hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular member recently
proposed by the third author is discussed, with the emphasis being on its potential as key lateral and
vertical load-resisting members in structures located in seismically active regions. In this new
structural member, the three constituent materials are optimally combined: the outer tube is made of
fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), the inner tube is made of steel, and the space in-between is filled
with concrete. While such a member may be used as a beam, its advantages are most obvious when
used as a column so this new member may also be conveniently referred to as a hybrid FRPconcrete-
steel double-skin tubular column (DSTC). A series of preliminary tests have recently been
conducted, in which the concentric compressive behaviour and the flexural behaviour of the
member were investigated. The test results showed that this new hybrid member exhibits good
ductility and energy dissipation capacity.
