Pre-Load Effect on CFRP-Confinement of Concrete Columns: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Francesco Micelli, Alessio Cascardi, Maria Antonietta Aiello
Abstract
The axial compression strength of concrete columns has been proved to be significantly enhanced by external confinement. In this perspective, the use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) has been extensively studied. In practical applications, the FRP-confinement is installed on loaded columns, which can already be significantly deformed, while theoretical models neglect this aspect. This paper concerns a new experimental investigation on the possibility that a pre-existing axial load affects the FRP-confinement of concrete. The research program also aimed at the development of a new analysis-oriented-model for the prediction of the compressive strength of FRP-jacketed concrete columns, depending on the level of the axial load, acting before the confinement. For this purpose, series of small-scale concrete cylinders were first loaded, then confined with Carbon FRP, and finally subjected to destructive pure axial compression tests. Four different levels of pre-existing loads were simulated, including the un-loaded condition.