Behavior Of Low Compressive Strength Short Columns Strengthened With External GFRP Strips/Jacket Techniques

This paper presents a study on behavior of short columns strengthened with GFRP techniques. Relatively recent materials like fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), have been used to strengthen circular short columns. Glass fiber external sheets were used in the circumferential direction to confine circular columns. Six specimens were tested under an axial load. The main concentric purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of GFRP confining with different techniques in strengthening deficient columns (low compressive strength concrete). This study achieved comparison between GFRP strengthened columns (strips/jacket) and control columns. Two techniques were used external confinement, using external strips of GFRP wraps and GFRP jackets. Test results revealed that the two techniques enhances the axial load carrying capacity of the columns significantly for both reinforced and unreinforced specimens. Test results, comparisons and analysis are shown herein.