Investigation of Concentrically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Columns Confined with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Jackets

An analytical method for evaluating the short-term axial load deformation behavior of rectangular and square reinforced compression members confined with glass fiberreinforced polymer plates (GFRP) jackets and steel hoops is proposed in this paper. Three square and three rectangular columns were tested under axial tension/compression up to failure. The results clearly showed the efficiency of the jackets in enhancing the ultimate strain and strength of the columns. The jackets were also very effective in preventing longitudinal bar buckling from occurring. The analytical model was calibrated using data from the tests. Closed-form equations are proposed for evaluating the short-term load-deformation behavior of columns confined with FRP jackets.