Missouri S&T Scholar's Mine Research RepositoryMissouri S&T Research
print 
Experimental Evaluation of FRP Strengthening of Large-Size Reinforced Concrete Columns
In recent years the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping instead of steel jackets has become more popular for external reinforcement, not only for its improved corrosion and fatigue performance, but also for its mechanical properties, light weight and ease of application. This technique has been also extensively studied, in particular the behavior of confined elements of circular cross section subjected to pure axial loads. However, the available models are based on small scale specimens, in most of the cases standard compressive cylinders of 6in by 12in. Limited studies are found for the cases of prismatic members especially on large size. In order to analyze the behavior of axially loaded large-size reinforced concrete columns confined by means of CFRP wrapping, a test matrix was designed based on the possible effect of different variables, such as the geometry of the specimen (circular, square, and rectangular), the area aspect ratio, the side aspect ratio, etc. A total of 22 specimens were recently tested at two different laboratories: University of California San Diego and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These two laboratories were selected because of the availability of large capacity equipment. Currently the organization for the proper documentation of the events as well as the analysis of the experimental results is being conducted. In this research update some preliminary outcomes are presented.