Experimental Evaluation of FRP Strengthening of Real Size Reinforced Concrete Columns

In order to analyze the behavior of axially loaded large-size reinforced concrete columns confined by means of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wrapping, a test matrix was designed to investigate the effect of different variables, such as the geometry of the specimen, the area aspect ratio, the side aspect ratio, and a height-to-width aspect ratio. A total of 22 specimens were divided into six series of three specimens each and two series of two specimens. The largest column tested has a cross-sectional area of 9 sq ft (0.8 sq m) and the smallest one an area of 1 sq ft (0.1 sq m). Experimental results showed that the size effect is not significant. In addition, between circular and prismatic specimens, the confinement effect of the FRP is less effective for the latter. The strengthening performance of these experiments was also compared with design predictions provided by the current international design guidelines. It is apparent that these predictions differ from one another, in particular for the case of prismatic cross-sections. Additionally, in contrast with the experimental results, for the case of circular cross-sections, most of the guidelines showed to be conservative, on the contrary when referring to the cases of prismatic cross-sections. Therefore a revision of the guidelines is warranted.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Missouri, Rolla

  Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
  1870 Miner Circle Drive
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Rocca, Silvia
  • Galati, Nestore
  • Nanni, Antonio
• Publication Date: 2005-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 324p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carbon fibers; Columns; Design; Geometry; Guidelines; Jacketing (Strengthening)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aspect ratio; Column wrapping; Fiber reinforced polymer wraps
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01025299
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTC R142, Report No. 00001528
• Contract Numbers: DTRS98-G-0021 (Grant)
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 2006 9:51AM