Behaviour of FRP wrapped normal strength concrete columns under eccentric loading

Eccentric loads are common for columns in buildings and other types of structures. Columns that are in the border of buildings, especially corner columns and columns near opening are usually subject to a combination of axial load and bending moment, thus creating an equivalent eccentric load. Fibre Reinforced Polymers have been used in strengthening/retrofitting columns and other types of elements. The results by and large are satisfactory. Most of the research studies undertaken in strengthening columns are based on concentrically loaded columns. In effect, the behaviour of FRP wrapped columns under the influence of eccentric loading is less known compared to concentrically loaded columns. This paper presents results of testing six normal strength concrete columns under eccentric loading. The columns are wrapped with different number of layers of FRP. Results show that wrapping a column with an adequate number of FRP layers will result in higher strength, ductility and energy absorption than a column reinforced with steel bars.