RC column strengthening by lateral pre-tensioning of FRP

This paper presents a unique strengthening technique for existing concrete columns that use expansive materials to apply lateral pre-tensioning. The technique increases the capacity and ductility of a column as well as achieving better utilisation of the confining FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) material. The confinement material properties and the confined cylinder performance are investigated experimentally. From the results, it is shown that it is possible to control the degree of applied pre-tension by controlling the amount of expansive material used. In addition, it is confirmed that jacketing columns by pre-tensioned FRP materials can increase the load bearing capacity up to 35% compared with no pre-tensioning and up to more than four times compared with unconfined concrete. The paper presents details of experimental work undertaken for the development of the confinement pressure with different confining materials (Carbon-CFRP, Glass-GFRP and Steel) and makes comparisons with predictive models.