Compressive behavior of plain concrete columns, confined with CFRP wraps

Abstract EN

This work consists of fabrication and testing of fourteen plain concrete short columns.

Ten of these columns have been wrapped by various plies of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets.

The experimental variables considered in the test program include, the unconfined concrete core strength, the number of CFRP layers, the fiber orientation in the laminate structure and the column cross section.

All concrete columns are tested under concentric compression.

The experimental results are evaluated for determining the contribution of CFRP wraps on the compression behavior of low, normal and high strength concrete.

It is found out that for both low and normal strength concrete, CFRP wraps can significantly enhance the compression performance.

The confinement effectiveness reduced with increase in the unconfined concrete strength.

Shape of cross sections of columns can directly affect the confinement effectiveness of externally bonded CFRP wraps.

Benefit of strength is higher for circular than for square section.

Poor confinement may be due to sharp edges in cross-sections.