Behavior of rectangular reinforced concrete columns strengthened with carbon fiber polymers jacketing

Abstract

Columns are important structural elements in a building and can be reinforced to increase their capacity. Reinforcement by bonding Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) is attractive because it is easy to apply and does not modify the section. This material has been used in columns for its confinement effect. However, the confinement of columns in non-circular sections is not as efficient as in circular ones. Non-circular geometries behave differently because part of the concrete is not confined. This research aims to study the behavior of rectangular concrete columns reinforced with carbon fiber mats. The aim is to evaluate the performance of rectangular columns with a section side ratio of 2 and to determine the efficiency of the reinforcement. Two groups of columns were tested, one without reinforcement and the other reinforced with a layer of mat. Numerical models were designed with the Finite Element Method (FEM) using Abaqus. The numerical model made it possible to analyze the distribution of stresses in the pillars. Experimental results of maximum force were compared with analytical predictions. The results obtained indicate the efficiency of the reinforcement by improving ductility and increasing load capacity by 30%.