Circular and Square Concrete Columns Externally Confined by CFRP Composite: Experimental Investigation and Effective Strength Models

摘要

The use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) jackets as an external mean to strengthen existing RC columns has emerged in recent years with very promising results, among others. Several studies on the performance of FRP wrapped columns have been conducted, using both experimental and analytical approaches. Such strengthening technique has proved to be very effective in enhancing their ductility and axial load capacity. However, the majority of such studies have focused on the performance of columns of circular cross section. The data available for columns of square or rectangular cross sections have increased over recent years but are still limited. This field remains in its developmental stages and more testing and analysis are needed to explore its capabilities, limitations, and design applicability. This study deals with a series of tests on circular and square plain concrete (PC) and reinforced concrete (RC) columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets.