Strengthening of rectangular reinforced concrete columns using fiber glass reinforced polymers

Using FRP to strengthen columns by wrapping may be applied in many different ways and depends on highly qualified applicators and highly experienced workers. A new technique for strengthening rectangular reinforced concrete columns by GFRP laminates is introduced in this paper. This technique decreases the materials used and the man effort which leads to a decrease in the total cost of the strengthening process. A test program was undertaken taking into consideration this new technique and a comparison between the new and the traditional techniques. The variables of this experimental program were the aspect ratio, the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete and the strengthening technique. An experimental program was undertaken testing nine rectangular columns with total height 1560 mm and clear height 1000 mm and was classified into three groups depending on the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete. An analytical approach was used to predict the deformation behavior as well as the ultimate capacity of the strengthened rectangular columns.