Experimental investigation of damaged square short RC columns with low slenderness retrofitted by CFRP strips under axial load

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop the retrofitting details, which will increase axial ultimate load capacity, stiffness, displacement ductility ratios, and energy dissipation capacities of short reinforced concrete (RC) low-slenderness columns to avoid adverse effects on earthquake performance. The main variables examined in the experimental study are the Carbon Reinforced Fiber Polymer (CFRP) strip width used for retrofitting, the distance between CFRP strips, the use of the anchor at the overlap zone in the CFRP strips, and the placement of the CFRP strips horizontally or vertically to the column axis. For these purposes, eleven square short RC columns with a dimension of 150x150x500 mm (with low slenderness ratio: λ = 11.5) were produced. The columns were damaged up to 50% of their axial load carrying capacity, then retrofitted with CFRP strips in different ways. The short RC columns with low slenderness ratio were tested under monotonic axial loading until they failure. By obtaining the axial load–displacement graphs of the test specimens, the ultimate axial load capacity, initial stiffness value, displacement-ductility ratios, and energy dissipation capacities are calculated and interpreted. It has been found that the most successful retrofitting detail is obtained when CFRP strips are placed perpendicular to the column axis, and CFRP fan-type anchors are used in the strip overlap region.