Experimental and Analytical Studies on Strengthened Axially Loaded RC Columns

Abstract

The strengthening and retrofitting of concrete structures are becoming an essential part of the building and its structures. When the building comes of age, there is a need to increase the structural members' strength, life, and resistivity against unfavorable environmental conditions. In the current scenario, ferrocement composites are used for structural strengthening and rehabilitation. Therefore, an experimental investigation is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening on the square and circular reinforced concrete columns by ferrocement and micro concrete materials. The experimental results showed that the ferrocement and micro concrete techniques enhanced the stress-strain behavior and displacement limit of the square and circular RC column. The strengthening circular RC column by micro concrete gives a better performance in stress-strain behavior and displacement limit. In addition, the ferrocement and micro concrete strengthening technique is a promising and economical alternative compared to the other strengthening techniques. Also, test results were compared with ACI and CNR–DT representative load-carrying models to verify each model's reliability and accuracy. Furthermore, the TOPSIS method was adopted to find out the best solution for square and circular columns, and cost analysis was carried out.

HIGHLIGHTS

• RC columns were strengthened using ferro cement and micro concrete
• RC Columns under compressive concentric load were tested
• Micro concrete strengthening controls deflection and enhances the load capacity of columns
• The analytical approach of TOPSIS was used to find the best solution

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT