Experimental Study of Strengthening of RC Columns with Steel Fiber Concrete

Abstract

This study introduces an experimental program to investigate the performance of concrete wrapping jackets reinforced by steel fibers used for retrofitting of the square and circular RC columns under axial loads. Ten columns divided into two groups; the first group included seven square columns while the second group involved three circular columns. The experimental study included testing the columns with varied parameters such as cross-section shape, type and aspect ratio of steel fibres, jacket thickness, and using several techniques for retrofitting the column such as strengthening by plain and reinforced concrete jackets. The selected parameters affected the compressive behavior of confined columns high strength concrete jackets. The obtained results revealed that all strengthened columns with square cross-section appeared maximum strength greater than a circular one. Using several types of concrete jacketing promotes the load-capacity of the column with a clear improvement in the ductility. Increasing thickness appeared increasing in the load-carrying capacity in comparison with the reference column. Using the straight fibres showed better enhancement in the load capacity than the hooked ones. The main result was the failure mode was different from unstrengthen columns which showed more crushing in the concrete core with an increase in thickness.