Fiber-reinforced Polymer Confinement Research Articles

Designing a reliable machine learning system for accurately estimating the ultimate condition of FRP-confined concrete

Precisely forecasting how concrete reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) responds under compression is essential for fine-tuning structural designs, ensuring constructions fulfill safety criteria, avoiding overdesigning, and consequently minimizing material expenses and environmental impact. Therefore, this study explores the viability of gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), random forest (RF), artificial neural network-multilayer perceptron (ANNMLP) and artificial neural network-radial basis function (ANNRBF) in predicting the compressive behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-confined concrete at ultimate. The accuracy of the proposed machine learning approaches was evaluated by comparing them with several empirical models concerning three different measures, including root mean square errors (RMSE), mean absolute errors (MAE), and determination coefficient (R2). In this study, the evaluations were conducted using a substantial collection of axial compression test data involving 765 circular specimens of FRP-confined concrete assembled from published sources. The results indicate that the proposed GBRT algorithm considerably enhances the performance of machine learning models and empirical approaches for predicting strength ratio of confinement (f′cc/f′co) by an average improvement in RMSE as 17.3%, 0.65%, 66.81%, 46.12%, 46.31%, 46.87% and 69.94% compared to RF, ANNMLP, ANNRBF, and four applied empirical models, respectively. It is also found that the proposed ANNMLP algorithm exhibits notable superiority compared to other models in terms of reducing RMSE values as 9.67%, 11.29%, 75.11%, 68.83%, 73.64%, 69.49% and 83.74% compared to GBRT, RF, ANNRBF and four applied empirical models for predicting strain ratio of confinement (εcc/εco), respectively. The superior performance of the GBRT and ANNMLP compared to other methods in predicting the strength and strain ratio confinements is important in evaluating structural integrity, guaranteeing secure functionality, and streamlining engineering plans for effective utilization of FRP confinement in building projects.

Quasi-static cyclic tests of FRP-confined steel-reinforced HPFRCC circular columns

This study presents a novel composite component comprising of steel-reinforced high-performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) circular columns confined by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), with the goal of improving the mechanical behavior of conventional reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests were conducted to investigate various aspects of the column specimens, including failure phenomena, load-displacement response, sectional compression-bending performance, plastic hinge length, and lateral strain distributions in the FRP jacket, etc. A self-designed frictional force measurement device was employed to accurately measure the actual force borne by the specimen. The experiment results revealed that FRP confinement effectively improved the load-bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the specimens and delayed the deterioration of the sectional compression-bending performance. The superior tensile ductility of HPFRCC led to increased yielding displacement and peak load compared to FRP-confined concrete specimen, although this enhancement was limited. Furthermore, the peak load of the FRP-confined HPFRCC specimen increased with axial load, while the sectional compression-bending performance after the peak load remained relatively stable until approaching the collapse prevention (CP) limit state.

Reliability analysis of various modeling techniques for the prediction of axial strain of FRP-confined concrete

PurposeThe external confinement provided by the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets leads to an improvement in the axial compressive strength (CS) and strain of reinforced concrete structural members. Many studies have proposed analytical models to predict the axial CS of concrete structural members, but the predictions for the axial compressive strain still need more investigation because the previous strain models are not accurate enough. Moreover, the previous strain models were proposed using small and noisy databases using simple modeling techniques. Therefore, a rigorous approach is needed to propose a more accurate strain model and compare its predictions with the previous models.Design/methodology/approachThe present work has endeavored to propose strain models for FRP-confined concrete members using three different techniques: analytical modeling, artificial neural network (ANN) modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) modeling based on a large database consisting of 570 sample points.FindingsThe assessment of the previous models using some statistical parameters revealed that the estimates of the newly recommended models were more accurate than the previous models. The estimates of the new models were validated using the experimental outcomes of compressive members confined with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wraps. The nonlinear FEA of the tested samples was performed using ABAQUS, and its estimates were equated with the calculations of the analytical and ANN models. The relative investigation of the estimates solidly substantiates the accuracy and applicability of the recommended analytical, ANN and FEA models for predicting the axial strain of CFRP-confined concrete compression members.Originality/valueThe research introduces innovative methods for understanding FRP confinement in concrete, presenting new models to estimate axial compressive strains. Utilizing a database of 570 experimental samples, the study employs ANNs and regression analysis to develop these models. Existing models for FRP-confined concrete's axial strains are also assessed using this database. Validation involves testing 18 cylindrical specimens confined with CFRP wraps and FE simulations using a concrete-damaged plastic (CDP) model. A comprehensive comparative analysis compares experimental results with estimates from ANNs, analytical and finite element models (FEMs), offering valuable insights and predictive tools for FRP confinement in concrete.

Compressive behavior of concrete-filled FRP tubes with FRP solid waste as recycled aggregates: Experimental study and analytical modelling

The disposal and recycling of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) solid waste pose significant challenges globally, with a recycling rate of less than 10 %. Current methods of handling FRP solid waste (FSW), including landfill disposal, incineration, chemical treatment, and thermal cracking, face limitations in achieving large-scale recycling and resource utilization. In civil engineering, FRP is widely employed for retrofitting structures and holds promise for new constructions. A new approach has emerged for recycling FSW by using it as aggregates in concrete, offering lower costs and reduced environmental impact. Research on using FSW aggregates in plain concrete shows that optimizing replacement ratios and aggregate shapes can enhance split tensile strength and toughness without significantly lowering compressive strength. To further improve the mechanical performance, this study investigated concrete-filled filament-wound FRP tubes with FSW aggregates (FSW-CFFTs) under axial compression. 35 specimens were tested to evaluate the influence of granular FSW aggregates (i.e., replacement ratio = 0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 %) and FRP thickness (i.e., 0 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm) on their axial compression behavior. The experimental study revealed that: incorporation of FSW aggregates in unconfined concrete cylinders led to a notable decrease in Young's modulus and compressive strength, while concurrently increasing the peak compressive strain; as the replacement ratio of FSW aggregates increased, there was a tendency for the peak stress of FSW-CFFTs to decrease, while their ultimate axial strain tended to increase; compared FSW-CFFTs with unconfined concrete cylinders, the FRP confinement helped to mitigate the reduction ratio in axial compressive strength induced by the inclusion of FSW aggregates in the concrete, particularly at higher FSW aggregate replacement ratios; specimens with a thicker FRP tube exhibited higher secondary stiffness, along with higher strength and larger ultimate compressive strain. The modeling work indicated that accurately predicting axial stress-strain curves requires consideration of the bi-axial stress state of filament-wound FRP tubes.

Acoustic emission responses and damage estimation of coal with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer confinement under uniaxial compression

Acoustic emission responses and damage estimation of coal with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer confinement under uniaxial compression

Behavior of hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular member T-joints subjected to brace axial compression

Hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete-steel double-skin tubular members (DSTMs) are a novel form of structural members comprised of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube, and an annular concrete sandwiched between the two tubes. By leveraging the advantageous properties of each constituent material, DSTMs possess superior mechanical performance and exceptional durability, making them highly promising for applications in ocean structures. Despite extensive research highlighting the excellent performance of individual DSTMs such as beams and columns since their inception, investigations into the behavior of DSTM joints have been scarce. This critical knowledge gap presents a significant obstacle to the widespread practical application of DSTMs. To address this gap, the present study was proposed to investigate the behavior of circular DSTM T-joints subjected to brace axial compression. An experimental program was conducted to systematically examine the influence of key factors such as FRP/steel tube thickness, brace-to-chord diameter ratio, void ratio, and concrete strength on the performance of DSTM T-joints. The experimental results demonstrated that the DSTM T-joints exhibited a ductile behavior; FRP confinement was demonstrably effective in enhancing the joint bearing capacity; the brace-to-chord diameter ratio and void ratio were identified as two crucial factors influencing the joint bearing capacity. Finally, simple design equations capable of providing reasonably accurate and slightly conservative predictions for the bearing capacities of the test DSTM T-joint specimens were proposed.

3D Finite Element Modelling of FRP Confined Concrete Column

Abstract Modelling concrete columns confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) using finite element (FEM) analysis is a difficult task due to the need for precise definition of material and interaction parameters. The inclusion of FRP confinement in composites introduces complexities in representing the volumetric behavior of concrete under triaxle stress conditions. The behavior of confined concrete differs from that of non-confined concrete due to the passive nature of FRP confinement, requiring consideration of flow rules, damage parameters, strain hardening/softening constitutive relationships, and a pressure-dependent yield criterion. This project aims to address these challenges by proposing a modified plastic damage model, a concrete dilation model, and a new set of concrete hardening/softening rules using the advanced FE program ABAQUS CAE. The FE model’s strengths and limitations are evaluated by comparing it with experimental results from this project, as well as other findings from literature, including both experimental and analytical studies.

Axial compressive behavior and failure mechanism of CFRP partially confined ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)

With comparable mechanical properties, higher cost-effectiveness and ease of column joints rehabilitation, partial fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement holds promise as an alternative to full FRP confinement in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). Nevertheless, the compressive behavior and underlying failure mechanism of FRP partially confined UHPC are not fully understood. To address this issue, axial compression tests on ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC, removing fibers in UHPC) and UHPC cylinders fully and partially confined by FRP are conducted in this study. The stress-strain relationship, strain distribution and crack development of specimens subjected to axial compression are profoundly analyzed using a combination of strain gauges and digital image correlation (DIC). Experimental results indicate that partial FRP confinement has a comparable effect on compressive performance compared to full FRP confinement. FRP confinement and fiber inclusion can effectively overcome the brittle nature of UHSC in compressive failure and consequently extend the transition stage, raising the stress/strain retention ratio from 0.91% to 26.45% and improving the enhancement ratio of ultimate strain from 1.97% to 34.4%. Furthermore, a more reliable and accurate prediction model is proposed in this study for evaluating the stress-strain relationship of partial FRP confinement under ultimate conditions.

Effect of aggregate sizes on dilation properties and stress−strain behavior of FRP-confined recycled aggregate concrete

Aggregate size plays a crucial role in determining the mesoscale uniformity and compactness of concrete, directly influencing its dilation characteristics. This dilation behavior, especially under axial load, has significant implications for the tri-axial stress conditions when the concrete undergoes passive confinement using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP). This study focuses on comprehensively investigating the stress−strain behavior and dilation properties of FRP-confined recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), with a specific emphasis on the effects of recycled aggregate (RA) sizes. A series of compression tests were conducted to examine the stress−strain response of FRP-confined RAC, shedding light on how the dilation properties are influenced by varying RA sizes. The results revealed notable differences in the physical properties (crushing index and water absorption ratio) of RA compared to natural aggregates, with these differences significantly impacting the unconfined concrete strength. Although, an increase in aggregate size demonstrated an improvement in FRP confinement efficiency, it did not bring about a change in the ultimate strength of FRP-confined concrete due to the interaction between the weakening of unconfined concrete strength and the increase in confinement efficiency. In addtion, the transition stress on the stress−strain curve proved highly dependent on both aggregate size and FRP confinement efficiency to RAC. Consequently, a new modified transition stress model, accounting for the effect of aggregate size and FRP confinement, was introduced. Incorporating this newly proposed transition stress model into the existing stress−strain expression yielded predicted stress−strain curves that closely matched the experimental results for FRP-confined RAC with varying RA sizes.

Failure patterns and mechanical behavior of the cement mortar column partially confined by the FRP jacket

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite has been recently adopted to maintain the integrity of infrastructure made of cement mortar, attributed to its high strength-to-weight ratio and easy-to-construct. To obtain an in-depth understanding about the compressive behavior of cement mortar samples with variable FRP center wrapping heights, both the acoustic emission (AE) response and deformation characteristics of which were comprehensively investigated in the present research. The relationship between the confinement provided the exterior FRP jacket and the mechanical characteristic was also explored, followed by the economic analysis on this reinforced technique. Test results indicated that both the deformation ability and the load-bearing capacity gradually increased with the increased center wrapping height of the FRP jacket. When the larger the AE energy generated at the initial compression stage, the more dispersed AE localization. Meanwhile, these main cracks occurred on the surface of reinforced cement mortar generally transformed from the FRP wrapping strip towards other extremities. Correspondingly, the number of tensile cracks of FRP partially wrapped cement mortar decreased with the increased axial deformation. Note that the residual integrity of these reinforced cement mortar with larger FRP-center wrapping height is much superior than its counterparts. The force state of partially reinforced cement mortar with FRP confinement was also discussed in the present research and the results of which were compared with existing theoretical models. Compared to other theoretical models, Teng's model shows the most accuracy in predicting the mechanical behavior of FRP partially reinforced cement mortar.

Axial stress-strain model for concrete in partially FRP wrapped reinforced concrete columns

The application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has become a commonly-used technique for the strengthening/retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete (RC) columns. To date, extensive experimental studies have been conducted in this field, resulting in many stress-strain models of FRP-confined concrete for analysis or design use. Few models, however, are concerned with the concrete in FRP-confined RC columns, especially for the columns under partial FRP confinement. This paper first investigates the mechanical properties of the concrete under FRP strip-transverse steel reinforcement composite confinement via the assessment of existing analysis-oriented models (AOMs). Then, the peak stress of actively confined concrete and the dilation model in AOM are calibrated based on existing research, leading to a new AOM for FRP strip-steel confined concrete. Finally, a test database is assembled to evaluate the reliability of the new model in terms of the predictions of ultimate conditions and stress-strain curves. By comparing the experimental results and theoretical predictions, the proposed model exhibits higher accuracy for the FRP strip-steel confined concrete compared with the other existing models.

Behavior of large-scale FRP-confined square RC columns with UHP-ECC section curvilinearization under eccentric compression

Implementing section curvilinearization (SC) by curving flat sides into curved sides before fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jacketing has been proposed to enhance the FRP confinement effectiveness of FRP-confined rectangular concrete columns. In this paper, ultra-high performance engineered cementitious composite (UHP-ECC) is proposed as the added concrete for SC, with an aim to enhance both bending and axial strengths of concrete columns given that the UHP-ECC can contribute to resisting tensile stresses for columns. Thirteen large-scale FRP-confined square reinforced concrete (RC) columns with SC using UHP-ECC were tested under eccentric compression loading to explore their eccentric compressive behavior. The test parameters included the rise-to-span ratio, the FRP thickness, the eccentricity and the surface roughness of the old concrete. The test results show that FRP confinement with SC using UHP-ECC can substantially enhance the peak axial load and the bending moment than those without SC, while the ultimate lateral displacement is marginally increased. An increase in the rise-to-span ratio leads to an increase in the peak axial load.

Design-oriented stress–strain model for RC columns with dual FRP- steel confinement mechanism

Many research studies have been conducted to evaluate confinement-induced enhancements on the mechanical properties of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymers)-confined plain concrete elements subjected to axial compressive loading, leading to the development of extensive predictive models. Nevertheless, experimental stress–strain results for FRP-confined RC columns (FCRC) have demonstrated some behavioural features that cannot be simulated accurately through this kind of model, developed exclusively for FRP-confined concrete columns (FCC). In this paper, a new design-oriented stress–strain model is proposed for the prediction of load-carrying capacity versus axial strain relationship of FCRC. For this purpose, a new parabolic stress–strain expression is developed for calculating the first branch of FCRC’s response up to the transition zone, followed by a linear function. New formulations are proposed to determine the first branch’s stress–strain gradient, transition zone-related information and the second branch’s slope, calibrated using a large test database of FCRC. The proposed design-oriented model is capable of simulating accurately the combined influence of the dual FRP and steel confinement on load-carrying capacity versus axial strain relationship of FCRC. Lastly, the capability of this model is validated by comparison to existing experimental data of FCRC and those obtained from some of existing models in the literature.

Compressive behavior of FRP-confined 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete cylinders

Three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing technology has attracted increasing applications due to its merits such as labor-saving. Due to difficulties in implementing reinforcements in 3D printed concrete (3DPC), 3DPC structures are commonly designed to predominantly resist compressive loadings. This paper proposes to further enhance the compressive performance of 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete (3DPU) elements by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping. Axial compression tests on FRP-confined 3D printed UHPC (FC3DPU) and unconfined 3D printed UHPC (UC3DPU) cylinders were conducted. The key variables include the loading directions (i.e., X, Y, Z directions) of the 3DPU cylinders and the FRP confinement thickness (i.e., one and two layers). Test results show that FRP wrapping can substantially enhance the strength and deformation capacity of 3DPU. Furthermore, the compressive strengths of the UC3DPU and FC3DPU in the X-direction are the highest, while they are the lowest in the Z-direction. The actual confinement ratio threshold for sufficient confinement of FC3DPU is 0.1. Two existing models of FRP-confined concrete were assessed, and results show that models of Liao et al. and Teng et al. have a comparable accuracy in predicting the ultimate axial stresses and strains of FC3DPU. Microscopic analysis reveals that 3DPU has more large defects (i.e., equivalent diameter (Eq) > 2 mm) in interlayers but less small defects (Eq < 2 mm) than the cast counterparts.

Cyclic Stress–Strain Behavior and Model for FRP-Confined Engineered Cementitious Composite

A fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confined engineered cementitious composite (ECC) column as a new high-performance composite member achieves significant ductility. Understanding its cyclic behavior is necessary to guide seismic design. This paper presents an experimental study on the compressive behavior of large rupture strain (LRS) FRP and traditional glass FRP (GFRP) jacketed ECC cylinders subjected to full and partial cyclic loadings. Effects of FRP confinement level, FRP type, and loading scheme on the failure pattern, stress–strain relationship, ultimate condition, plastic strain, and stress deterioration ratio were examined. Existing equations for plastic strain and stress deterioration ratio of the envelope and internal cycles were evaluated. Based on the experimental results, new calculation formulas were derived for the plastic strain and stress deterioration ratio. A threshold involving partial unloading/reloading factors was determined to define the effective cycles. In addition, a cyclic model composed of a monotonic envelope model and an unloading/reloading model was developed for estimating the stress–strain hysteresis loops of both GFRP- and LRS FRP-confined ECC cylinders.

Uniaxial compressive behaviour of a FRP standing support made of mine wastes

Twenty-seven specimens were tested to investigate the uniaxial compression behaviour of an innovative standing support for underground space applications. The innovative standing support consisted of an external fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) jacket and the infill column made of cementitious grout, tailings and coal wash rejects. Effects of the FRP layers number and water to the cementitious grout (w/g) ratio were evaluated. Test results indicated that lower w/g ratios produced stronger infill columns. With FRP confinement, the standing support demonstrated strain-hardening loading characteristics with a significant improvement in both strength and ductility. The highest strength and strain of the specimens achieved was 58.4 MPa and 11.8% respectively. Compared with the unconfined specimens, the confinement with four FRP layers increased the specimen strength and associated strain up to 3.6 and 27.0 times respectively. A correlation between the compressive strength of the infill material and the ultrasonic pulse velocity was also investigated. Furthermore, a simple design-oriented model was proposed to predict the peak strength and the corresponding strain of the innovative standing support.

Analytical model to predict axial stress-strain behavior of heat-damaged unreinforced concrete columns wrapped by FRP jacket

Although there are several confinement models to obtain analytically the axial stress-strain response (fc-εc) of concrete columns wrapped with fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) jacket at ambient conditions, a reliable design-oriented model to determine the fc-εc of heat-damaged concrete columns post-confined with FRP is still lacking in the literature. This study aims to address this research gap, by proposing a formulation that predicts the favourable effects of FRP confinement on concrete elements previously exposed to high temperatures. This model proposes a closed-form formulation to derive a fc-εc expression, including a set of strength and strain sub-models to calculate the stress/strain information at transition and ultimate points defining the stress-strain response. To develop the model and calibrate its key components by data analysis of statistical treatment techniques, a large test database of FRP confined unheated/heat-damaged concrete of circular/square cross-section consisting of 1914 specimens was collected. The proposed design-oriented model is able to demonstrate the influence of pre-existing thermal damage on the axial fc-εc relationship, whose reliability is revealed comprehensively through predicting data from several experimental heat-damaged concrete specimens confined with FRP systems.

Finite element analysis on compressive behaviour of tin slag polymer concrete with fibre reinforced polymer composites confinement

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) forecasts how tin slag polymer concrete with confinement would react to real-world stresses, minimizing the need for a physical prototype. Currently, there is no research on FEA designated for tin slag polymer concrete with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the compressive behaviour of tin slag polymer concrete (TSPC) with FRP confinement through finite element method (FEM). Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) were used to enhance the compressive properties of TSPC column. A comparison was made between the finite element result and the experimental result by analysing the stress–strain response. According to the comparison, the finite element model and experimental sample for unconfined and confined TSPC share a similar bilinear stress–strain curve. It was also discovered that TSPC with GFRP confinement has substantially more accurate stress–strain curve with 4.46% compared to 13.47% for CFRP, a percentage difference of 9.01%. TSPC with CFRP confinement has higher compressive strength than GFRP. The highest strength increment from one layer to the next occurs between one and two confinement layers. According to the simulation, the failure mode of finite element model is similar to the experimental sample.

Eccentric compression behavior of concrete-filled steel tube columns strengthened by CFRP/steel strip

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column structures have been widely applied in structural engineering because of their superior bearing capacity and ductility. During the service lives of CFST columns, due to the change in the service function, the increase in the load, and the corrosion of the steel tubes, some existing CFST columns face the strengthening demand of increasing bearing capacity and durability. In this study, two efficient strengthening methods for CFST columns were proposed, namely, winding carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) or welding steel strips around the columns. A total of 11 specimens were tested to investigate the behavior of the strengthened CFST columns under eccentric compression according to parameters such as the height-diameter ratio, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layer, eccentric distance, and steel strip thickness. The results indicated that the ultimate strength and initial stiffness decreased with increasing eccentric distance. The arrangement of the FRP and steel strips effectively improved the eccentric carrying capacity and ductility. The improvement in the ultimate load due to FRP confinement exceeded 34.31%, and that due to the steel strips exceeded 13.47%. Finally, considering the effect of the eccentric distance and height-diameter ratio on the behavior of the structure under compression, a model for predicting the bearing capacity under eccentric load was proposed and verified by a database that included various design parameters.

Evaluation of Hybrid Fiber Multiscale Polymer Composites for Structural Confinement under Cyclic Axial Compressive Loading

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement is recognized as the most promising technique for the strengthening and retrofitting of concrete structures. In order to enhance the performance of conventional epoxy-based FRP composites, nano filler modification of the epoxy matrix was implemented in the current study. In particular, the cyclic loading response of standard concrete specimens externally confined by epoxy-based natural and hybrid fiber reinforced polymer systems was investigated. The confinements were realized with sisal fiber reinforced polymer (SFRP) and hybrid sisal basalt fiber reinforced polymer (HSBFRP). Moreover, the effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were also investigated. Three different specimen sets were considered for study: (i) unconfined specimens, (ii) epoxy-based FRP confined specimens and (iii) MWCNT incorporated epoxy-based FRP confined specimens. The specimens were tested in repeated compressive mode in loading-unloading cycles at increasing displacement levels. The test results revealed that FRP wrapping could enhance the mechanical behavior of unconfined columns in terms of strength and ductility. Moreover, it was evident that the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix were enhanced by MWCNT incorporation. The developed epoxy-based FRP confinement containing MWCNT ensures improvement in axial strength by 71% when compared with unconfined specimens. The epoxy-based FRP confinement, with and without MWCNT, exhibited a high strain redistribution behavior around the concrete core. In comparison to the unconfined specimens, the confinement could increase the sustained axial strain from 0.6 to 1.4% using epoxy-based FRP confinement and to 1.6% with MWCNT incorporated epoxy-based FRP confinement. Further, an empirical model was developed to predict the ultimate axial stress of concrete columns confined externally with FRP jackets. The ultimate compressive strength obtained from the experimental study was compared with the proposed model, and the observed deviation was lower than 1%.