Strength and strain enhancements of concrete columns confined with FRP sheets

The compressive behavior up to failure of short concrete members reinforced with fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) is investigated. Rectangular cross-sections are analysed by means of a simplified elastic model, able also to explain stress-concentration. The model allows one to evaluate the equivalent uniform confining pressure in ultimate conditions referred to the effective confined cross-section and to the effective stresses in FRP along the sides of section; consequently, it makes it possible to determine ultimate strain and the related bearing capacity of the confined member corresponding to FRP failure. The effect of local reinforcements constitute by single strips applied at corners before the continuous wrapping and the effect of round corners are also considered. Analytical results are compared to experimental values available in the literature.