Abstract
In this investigation experimental data were developed to evaluate the behaviour of concrete members laterally confined with fibre-reinforced plastic (
frp) composites. Specimens were loaded quasi-statically under cyclic flexure with and without axial compression. Two different types of
frp confinement technologies (braided aramid
frp tape and pre-formed glass-aramid shells) were investigated during the project. For the latter jacketing type, specimens with both circular and rectangular cross-section were tested. Confinement effects on strength and ductility enhancement were investigated through analysis of hysteresis diagrams and the construction of moment-force interaction diagrams based on the experimental results. It was found that flexural strength and ductility are enhanced by the use of
frp jackets. Improvements depend on jacketing method, shape of member cross-section, level of the axial load, and failure mode.
