Repair of Fire-Damaged Circular and Square Columns Using CFRP Composites: A Comprehensive Review

In the field of structural engineering, the repair and rehabilitation of fire-damaged circular and square columns pose significant challenges. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites have gained popularity as a potentially effective method for restoring the structural integrity of damaged structural members. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a state-of-the-art review of existing experimental and numerical studies in the literature on repairing fire-damaged square/circular columns using CFRP composites. The effectiveness of CFRP as a repairing technique in restoring the axial load-carrying capacity and stiffness of fire-damaged circular, square, and rectangular columns is evaluated. Based on past investigations, it has been concluded that CFRP composites can restore 70-169.2% of the axial capacity and 0-29.2% of the lost resistance. Moreover, the review offers a critical assessment of previous experimental and numerical investigations, highlighting their significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge regarding CFRP-based column repair. A comparative analysis of the experimental results from available studies is carried out, accompanied by a concise examination of the gaps, and a pathway for future researchers is also suggested. In addition to this, probable challenges and limitations, such as stiffness loss after repairing fire-damaged columns with CFRP composites, and ways to counter them, are also summarized in this study. The article provides engineers, researchers, and practitioners involved in the restoration and repair of fire-damaged circular and square columns using CFRP composites with insightful recommendations derived from an exhaustive synthesis of prior literature and case studies.