Behaviour of concrete confined by high E-modulus carbon FRP sheets, subjected to monotonic and cyclic axial compressive load

AbstractA systematic investigation is performed on the mechanical behavior of concrete cylinders (with compressive cylinder strength 25.2 MPa and 51.8 MPa), confined by high E-modulus carbon fiber sheet (377 GPa). The concrete cylinders were wrapped with 1, 2, 3 and 5 layers of carbon FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) sheet and subjected to monotonic and cyclic axial compressive loading. Teflon sheets were used between concrete and steel loading plates to reduce friction. Pretests were made to estimate the proper overlap length of the external layer. The confining effect is addressed in terms of concrete strength, ductility and expansion. Considerable increase in levels of strength and strain at failure were achieved even for high strength concrete for monotonic and cyclic mode of loading