FRP confinement of wall-like reinforced concrete columns

The paper investigates FRP confinement of wall-like reinforced concrete columns in a systematic way, by examining a number of parameters not addressed before: the effectiveness of different types of anchors, the role of different cross section aspect ratios (3 and 4), the number of layers, local strengthening at the corners and the reduction of aspect ratio by cross section enlargement. These parameters are combined in an analytical model for the ultimate load in concentrically loaded columns, which is found in good agreement with test results. It is concluded that: properly dimensioned (heavy) anchors nearly double the confining effectiveness of FRP; the use of additional FRP layers near the edges of the cross section increases the confining effectiveness of the jacket by approximately 50 %; and shape enlargement of the cross section with mortar is practically as effective as the use of heavy anchors.