Abstract: “This article presents the results of an experimental investigation of the behavior of circular reinforced concrete columns strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets under the combined action of axial loads and bending moments. Test parameters included the absence/presence of FRP jackets, fiber orientation and stiffness of the jacket. Test results proved that the investigated FRP strengthening schemes can be efficiently used to enhance the load-carrying capacity and deformability of eccentrically loadedcolumns. When compared to the FRP hoop confined columns, the inclusion of an axial FRP sheet was found to have negligible effects on the axial column resistance however, the longitudinal fibers increased both the axial and flexural rigidities of the strengthened columns. Using an axial FRP sheet confined by two hoop FRP sheets enhanced the columns' rotational capacities allowing them to absorb eccentric loads with increasing lateral deflections.”

Keywords: RC columns, axial-flexural loading, confinement, FRP-jacketing, deformation capacity, toughness