Thin HPFRC Jackets for Axially Loaded RC Columns: Mechanical Behavior and Efficacy of Strengthening

The environmental impact of the construction sector underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to extend the service life of existing structures. This study explores High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (HPFRC) for strengthening reinforced-concrete (RC) columns subjected to axial compression. Twelve RC columns were tested, each 1200 mm high and with varying cross-sectional shapes (circular, square, and rectangular). Strengthening was achieved using thin HPFRC jackets (less than 30 mm thick), applied without additional internal reinforcement and following simple surface preparation techniques such as sandblasting. Full-height jacketing significantly improved axial load capacity. Its effectiveness did not decrease with the shape of the cross-section, with square columns showing up to a 105% increase and rectangular ones up to 87%, compared to unstrengthened columns with the same concrete strength. The highest improvement was observed in the square column with full-height jacketing and the most significant geometric strengthening ratio (52.6%), which doubled its axial capacity. This ratio was directly related to performance gains. Although ductility gains were limited, the full-jacketed specimens did not fail explosively: their failure mode was progressive, providing a useful warning before collapse. HPFRC jacketing can be especially effective for non-circular columns, outperforming FRP jacketing and eliminating the need for additional protective layers against impact or fire.