Experimental study of the axial compression of short columns of solid clay bricks strengthened with FRP sheets

40 square-section columns made of solid clay bricks with Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) confinements and 4 other columns for comparison were tested under axial compression. The effects of different FRP materials, different length/width ratios, the amount of FRP and other parameters on the bearing capacity, ductility, and failure mode of the strengthened columns were analyzed. Theoretical analysis was performed, and a calculation model was presented for predicting the ultimate strength of square-section solid clay brick columns confined with FRP, which is shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data.