Design of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns for enhancing axial load carrying capacity

The paper proposed a design method and an experimental programme to evaluate the axial load strength of rectangular and square reinforced compression members confined with GFRP (glass fibre reinforced polymer plates) jackets and steel hoops. Three square and three rectangular columns were tested under axial compression up to failure. The test results clearly showed the efficiency of the jackets in enhancing the ultimate strain and strength of the columns. The design method was calibrated using data from the tests. Closed-form equations are proposed for calculating the axial load strength of columns confined with FRP jackets.