REPAIR OF SEVERELY DAMAGED RC COLUMNS THROUGH FRCM COMPOSITES

This study presents the results of an experimental campaign aimed at testing the effectiveness of carbon fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (CFRCM) confinement as a repair technique for severely damaged reinforced concrete (RC) columns. To evaluate shape effect and transverse steel reinforcement (TSR) – fiber interaction, two different cross-section shapes, and two TSR rates were investigated. Nine full-scale specimens were analyzed considering three control ones, three undamaged specimens confined with two CFRCM layers, and three severely damaged specimens repaired through confinement by two CFRCM layers. Axial stress-strain curves were analyzed to derive strength and ductility enhancement. Finally, TSR and fiber strains were monitored to better comprehend the contributions of internal and external reinforcement to the overall confinement and possible TSR-FRCM interaction.