Experimental investigation on the compressive behaviour of FRP-confined rectangular concrete columns

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on the behaviour of FRP-confined concrete in square and rectangular columns focuses some issues that might be addressed with view to improving predictive models. For this purpose, 31 prismatic specimens height 600 mm low- medium-strength (20–35 MPa) were tested under centred compression. The parameters studied aspect ratio between sides section (1, 1.5 2), radius curvature corners (20, 25 30 mm) number carbon FRP layers applied. results included stress–strain curves detailed information about confined strength axial lateral strain achieved jacket during tests. response ultimate condition are analysed, showing jacketing is an efficient technique for increasing capacity, but confinement efficiency decreases as increases. In spite such decrease, significant improvement was low-strength sections ratios (strength gain up 81%), even 2 (up 36%). tests compared design criteria four international guidelines, resulting predictions did not properly fit sections. A equation proposed assess compressive concrete, which includes better adjustment factor shape columns.