Behaviour of sandwich frp wrapped rc columns under eccentric loading

Abstract EN

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite has proven its efficiency for strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) structure.

Recently, the introduction of the sandwich FRP wrapping as a promising technique for strengthening RC columns opened a new field for researches.

This paper investigates the behavior of RC square short columns subjected to eccentric compression loading and strengthened using sandwich and regular FRP wraps.

The experimental program comprised testing of seven column specimens.

Six columns were strengthened with different FRP schemes while one column was kept unstrengthened.

Key parameters included the method of wrapping (sandwich & regular), the type of FRP material (carbon & glass) and the percentage of sandwich wrapping (full & partial).

The results demonstrated that the utilization of sandwich FRP wraps results in load and ductility enhancements higher than those of the regular wraps.

The carbon FRP wrapped columns performed better than the glass FRP wrapped columns in terms of strength and ductility.

Also, it is recommended to use the full sandwich FRP wrapping, if an enhancement in the load carrying capacity is required.