Cyclic Behaviour of RC Columns Confined with Steel Reinforced Polymer Wraps

This paper presents the first results of an experimental campaign undertaken to investigate the seismic behaviour of full scale square (300x300 mm) and rectangular (300x700 mm) RC columns externally strengthened with Steel Fiber Reinforced Polymer (SFRP) wraps. Studied columns were designed to be representative of existing building structural components. For this reason, they were realized with medium-low concrete strength and were reinforced using smooth steel rebars; the reinforcement details were arranged by following design rules used in the past and without keeping into account any seismic details. The first performed tests, all relative to square columns, have allowed to investigate the influence of a SFRP strengthening system on the specimen performance mainly in terms of flexural strength and ductility. The benefits achievable with this technique are also compared with those of companion specimens strengthened with carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer layers, whose results have been already published elsewhere.