Experimental Study of Rectangular RC Columns Strengthened with CFRP Composites under Eccentric Loading

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experimental studies on reinforced concrete columns strengthened with CFRP composites under combination of axial load and bending moment. A total of seven large-scale specimens with rectangular cross section (200 mm × 300 mm) were prepared and tested under eccentric compressive loading up to failure. The overall length of specimens with two haunched heads was 2700 mm. Different FRP thicknesses of 2, 3, and 5 layers, fiber orientation of 0o, 45o, and 90o, and two eccentricities of 200 and 300 mm were investigated. The effects of these parameters on load-displacement and moment-curvature behavior of the columns as well as the variation of longitudinal and transverse strains on different faces of the columns were studied. The results of the study demonstrated significant enhancement on performance of strengthened columns compared to unstrengthened columns.