Enhancing Concrete Prism Strength Using External Confining Pressure

The primary objective of this research endeavor is to examine the influence of applying active external confining pressure along the longitudinal axis of prisms, utilizing a series of elongated members secured in place by multiple steel strips. This investigation delves into the behavioral characteristics and failure loads of these strengthened prisms through a comprehensive experimental program involving thirteen specimens. The empirical results unequivocally demonstrate a substantial enhancement in the ductility and strength of concrete prisms when subjected to external confining pressure. Notably, the effectiveness of external confinement was observed to be more pronounced in ordinary concrete (Fcu=20 N/mm2), compared to high-strength concrete (Fcu=40:50 N/mm2). Furthermore, at a certain amount of external pressure , the effect of increasing pressure on the strength of concrete prims started to diminish. The experimental test results were rigorously validated through the utilization of the ABAQUS finite element software. The finite element models generated in this study exhibited commendable agreement with experimental outcomes. Moreover, an equation has been proposed for the design of concrete prisms subjected to external confining pressure, demonstrating its predictive accuracy in estimating the ultimate load capacity.