Evaluation of large-size reinforced concrete columns strengthened for axial load using fiber reinforced polymers

An analytical technique was established to analyze concrete columns strengthened by Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) systems. The technique used the finite element ABAQUS software coupled with MATLAB taking in consideration the actual concrete’s damage-plasticity model. The analytical results were evaluated against experimental results of twenty-two concrete axially loaded columns, subdivided into eight different groups from A to H. The analytical study was extended to include additional fourteen columns for verification. The analytical results showed a comparable agreement with those obtained in laboratory. The proposed technique will provide the engineers with means to analyze damaged columns retrofitted by FRP systems.