Compressive Strength of FRP-Reinforced and Confined Concrete Columns

Abstract

Nowadays, the practice of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) as an internal reinforcement and external wrapping has been expanded in the construction industry. No theoretical model for estimating the compressive strength (CS) of FRP bars reinforced concrete (RC) columns wrapped with FRP sheets (FRCFS columns) has been found in the literature. The main goal of the current research work is to recommend a new theoretical model for estimating the CS of FRCFS columns. To secure the aims of the present work, the previous research works were employed to construct two different records. The first record consists of 500 sample points of FRP-wrapped concrete specimens, and the second record consists of 269 sample points of FRP bars RC columns. Some initial assessments were carried out on the collected records to select the most suitable forms of the recommended models for FRP-wrapping and CS of FRP bars RC columns. The estimations of these models presented higher accuracy as compared with the previously recommended models. Finally, a new theoretical model was recommended for the CS of FRCFS columns. Then, an extensive parametric study of 216 specimens of FRCFS columns was carried out using the recommended theoretical model.