Experimental Investigation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Strengthening of Concrete Columns

Concrete columns are essential structural components in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. However, over time, they deteriorate due to aging, environmental exposure, and increased loading conditions. This study investigates the strengthening of concrete columns using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. FRP wrapping enhances the strength, ductility, and durability of concrete columns. The experimental investigation includes testing several concrete columns, both unconfined and confined with FRP sheets, under axial compressive loads. The results demonstrate significant improvements in load-bearing capacity and deformation resistance for the FRP-strengthened columns compared to unconfined ones. This research highlights the effectiveness of FRP as a practical solution for structural rehabilitation and retrofitting of concrete columns