Compressive behavior of galvanized steel wire mesh (GSWM) strengthened RC short column of varying shapes

Abstract

In a reinforced concrete building different shapes of column are adopted depending on the structural orientation and the architectural aspect. When there is an increase in loading due to changes in usage or revision in the design codes these columns need to be strengthened for enhanced performance during their service life. Strengthening materials such as carbon fiber and glass fiber polymer has been successfully used however, due to high cost application other alternative materials need to be explore. Galvanized steel wire mesh (GSWM) is one of the suitable materials locally available. High tensile strength, low weight, corrosion resistance, easy installation, minimum change in dimensions of the sections and cost effectives are the advantages of GSWM. Therefore, in this paper, four different shapes of column such as circular, square, rectangular and L were wrapped with different layers GSWM and jacketed with mortar. All the specimens were tested under axial compression. The objective of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of GSWM as a confining material for strengthening of column having varying shape. Test results shows that the axial strength enhanced with wrapping of GSWM jacket and a circular column presented the highest load carrying capacity and ductility as compared to the others. From the study of 22 column specimens, it is found that axial load is increased upto 20% and 19% when circular and square column are strengthened with one wrap of GSWM respectively, while a rectangular and L column required a wraps of two and three layers respectively in order to achieved the same load capacity as that of a circular column. Based on the present study, it is concluded that GSWM can be effectively used for strengthening of different shapes of concrete columns economically.