Abstract
Composite materials are becoming more frequently used in civil engineering structures. One of the most practical applications of these materials is strengthening of reinforced concrete columns by means of confinement with fiber composite sheets with principal advantages of high strength-to-weight ratio, good fatigue properties, non-corroding characteristics, and the easier installation procedure. Over the past few decades a number of composites have emerged as viable solutions to address the issue of potential durability problems in the use of steel as a retrofitting and strengthening system, among which Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) are the most widely used ones. In the first study of this research work, a total of 27 square and rectangular Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) jackets were tested under hydrostatic load conditions using the Investigation of Circumferential strain Experimental (ICE) methodology, to better understand the behavior of GFRP jackets’ properties including the study of the influence of cross-section aspect ratio, and laminate thickness on the strain properties of GFRP composite laminates. The second part of this research work reports results of experimental investigations on eight column specimens, into the use and application of glass fiber reinforced polymers. The effect of GFRP wrapping was more significant in enhancing axial deformability (i.e. axial strain) than increasing axial strength. In the third study, polyparaphenylene-benzobisethiazole (PBO) - FRCM was studied. Experimental results indicate that PBO-FRCM wrapping can significantly enhance the load bearing capacity and ductility of RC columns.