Strength model for square concrete columns confined by external CFRP sheets

An experimental study has been carried out on square plain concrete (PC) and reinforced concrete (RC) columns strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. A total of 78 specimens were loaded to failure in axial compression and investigated in both axial and transverse directions. Slenderness of the columns, number of wrap layers and concrete strength were the test parameters. Compressive stress, axial and hoop strains were recorded to evaluate the stress-strain relationship, ultimate strength and ductility of the specimens. Results clearly demonstrate that composite wrapping can enhance the structural performance of square columns in terms of both maximum strength and ductility. On the basis of the effective lateral confining pressure of composite jacket and the effective FRP strain coefficient, new peak stress equations were proposed to predict the axial strength and corresponding strain of FRP-confined square concrete columns. This model incorporates the effect of the effective circumferential FRP failure strain and the effect of the effective lateral confining pressure. The results show that the predictions of the model agree well with the test data.