Finite-Element Analysis of Wall-Like RC Columns Strengthened with FRP and TRM Jackets under Concentric and Eccentric Loadings

Abstract

The present paper shows the results of nonlinear finite-element analysis (FEA) of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) confined reinforced concrete (RC) wall-like columns under concentric and eccentric axial loads. The FEA column models were validated with an experimental study in the literature. A parametric study was performed on the validated models to examine the effectiveness of FRP versus TRM considering various columns’ cross section aspect ratios, number of layers, and eccentricities. In addition, interaction diagrams were constructed for the control and strengthened columns. Good agreement was achieved between the experimental and validated FEA results. The parametric study results showed that, as compared to TRM, FRP jackets were more effective in terms of axial strength improvement. This effectiveness was less pronounced in columns with higher aspect ratios. Furthermore, the effectiveness of both systems was distinct when three layers were applied with 45% and 39% enhancements in the axial strength as compared to the control model, respectively. Furthermore, the axial strength of all columns reduced with higher eccentricity values. As the eccentricity increased, the axial capacity of the models strengthened with FRP converged with the control ones. In general, the TRM-confined model’s interaction diagram was superior to that of its FRP-confined counterparts.