Impact of CFRP Strengthening on the Performance of RC Columns Under Static and Dynamic Loading
- Authors
-
-
- Keywords:
- CFRP, Reinforced Concrete, Columns, Static Loading, Seismic Loading, Design Standards
- Abstract
-
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) jackets in retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) columns to meet global safety standards. The research addresses the critical need to mitigate brittle failure modes observed in recent seismic events, particularly in existing structures with deficient seismic detailing. The methodology integrates two primary approaches: First, a theoretical framework is developed to propose a design method for CFRP-confined columns, utilizing actual stress-strain relationships and advanced confinement models to generate P-M interaction diagrams. Second, a comprehensive analytical review of major international experimental programs is conducted to assess the seismic behavior of these columns, focusing on critical variables such as cross-sectional geometry and internal reinforcement details. The findings demonstrate that CFRP confinement significantly enhances not only the ultimate load-carrying capacity but also the structural ductility and energy dissipation potential. Furthermore, the study establishes a technical guide based on international design codes, outlining essential parameters to ensure the efficacy of the strengthening process. This work serves as a technical reference for engineers in making informed decisions during the structural rehabilitation of RC members.
- References
-
Alizamir, M., Gholampour, A., Kim, S., Keshtegar, B., & Jung, W. (2024). Designing a reliable machine learning system for accurately estimating the ultimate condition of FRP-confined concrete. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 20466. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69990-4
American Concrete Institute. (2002). ACI Committee 440 (2002) Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures, ACI 440.2R-02.
Balázs, G., Barros, J., Bilotta, A., Bournas, D., Ceroni, F., Czaderski, C., D’Antino, T., Kolyvas, C., Kotynia, R., Niedermeier, R., Nigro, E., Oller, E., Pantazopoulou, S., Pecce, M., Prota, A., Sena-Cruz, J., Tastani, S., Thermou, G., & Zilch, K. (2019). fib Bulletin 90. Externally applied FRP reinforcement for concrete structures (S. Matthys & T. Triantafillou, Eds.). fib. The International Federation for Structural Concrete. https://doi.org/10.35789/fib.BULL.0090
Carey, S. A., & Harries, K. A. (2005). Axial Behavior and Modeling of Confined Small-, Medium-, and Large-Scale Circular Sections with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Jackets. Structural Journal, 102(4), 596–604. https://doi.org/10.14359/14564
Celik, O. C., & Ellingwood, B. R. (2009). Seismic Risk Assessment of Gravity Load Designed Reinforced Concrete Frames Subjected to Mid-America Ground Motions. Journal of Structural Engineering, 135(4), 414–424. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2009)135:4(414)
Colomb, F., Tobbi, H., Ferrier, E., & Hamelin, P. (2008). Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete short columns by CFRP materials. Composite Structures, 82(4), 475–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2007.01.028
Concrete Society. (2004). TR55 Design Guidance For Strengthening Concrete Structures Using FRP. https://www.scribd.com/document/357010253/TR55-Design-Guidance-For-Strengthening-Concrete-Structures-Using-FRP-pdf
De Lorenzis, L., & Tepfers, R. (2003). Comparative Study of Models on Confinement of Concrete Cylinders with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites. Journal of Composites for Construction, 7(3), 219–237. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0268(2003)7:3(219)
Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance | Eurocodes: Building the future. (n.d.). Retrieved https://eurocodes.jrc.ec.europa.eu/EN-Eurocodes/eurocode-8-design-structures-earthquake-resistance
Fabbrocino, G., Verderame, G. M., & Manfredi, G. (2005). Rotation capacity of old type RC columns. Proceedings of the Fib Symposium “Keep Concrete Attractive,” 891–896.
Faella, C., Napoli, A., Realfonzo, R., & Rizzano, G. (2006). Seismic Behaviour of Square R/C Columns Confined with FRP. First European Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, 8512–8521.
Feldman, L. R., & Bartlett, F. M. (2007). Bond Stresses Along Plain Steel Reinforcing Bars in Pullout Specimens. ACI Structural Journal, 104(6), 685–692. https://doi.org/10.14359/18950
Guadagnuolo, M., Donadio, A., Tafuro, A., & Faella, G. (2020). Experimental Behavior of Concrete Columns Confined by Transverse Reinforcement with Different Details. The Open Construction & Building Technology Journal, 14(1), 250–265. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874836802014010250
Huang, J., Gao, P., Chen, D., Ma, C., & Zhang, N. (2024). Effect of concrete strength on the seismic performance of circular reinforced concrete columns confined by basalt and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Construction and Building Materials, 449, 138373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.138373
Işık, E., Avcil, F., Hadzima-Nyarko, M., İzol, R., Büyüksaraç, A., Arkan, E., Radu, D., & Özcan, Z. (2024). Seismic Performance and Failure Mechanisms of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subject to the Earthquakes in Türkiye. Sustainability, 16(15), 6473. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156473
Lam, L., & Teng, J. G. (2003). Design-Oriented Stress-Strain Model for FRP-Confined Concrete in Rectangular Columns. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 22(13), 1149–1186. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684403035429
Lin, S., Zhao, Y.-G., Li, J., & Lu, Z.-H. (2021). Confining Stress Path-Based Compressive Strength Model of Axially Loaded FRP-Confined Columns. Journal of Composites for Construction, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0001090
Mangalathu, S., & Jeon, J.-S. (2019). Machine Learning–Based Failure Mode Recognition of Circular Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns: Comparative Study. Journal of Structural Engineering, 145(10). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002402
Mohamad, B., & Alamoudi, S. (2021). Section Design of Reinforced Concrete Columns Confined by CFRP. Association of Arab Universities Journal of Engineering Sciences, 28(4), 43–56. https://doi.org/10.33261/JAARU.2021.28.4.005
Paolacci, F., & Giannini, R. (2012). An experimental and numerical investigation on the cyclic response of a portal frame pier belonging to an old reinforced concrete viaduct. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 41(6), 1109–1127. https://doi.org/10.1002/eqe.1175
Parvin, A., & Brighton, D. (2014). FRP Composites Strengthening of Concrete Columns under Various Loading Conditions. Polymers, 6(4), 1040–1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym6041040
Priestley, M. J. N., Seible, F., & Calvi, G. M. (1996). Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470172858
Rochette, P., & Labossière, P. (2000). Axial Testing of Rectangular Column Models Confined with Composites. Journal of Composites for Construction, 4(3), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0268(2000)4:3(129)
Sabbahfar, P., Melo, J., Costa, A., Varum, H., & Rodrigues, H. (2025). Cyclic Behavior of Seismically Non-Conforming Interior Reinforced Concrete Beam–Column Joints. Buildings, 15(2), 202. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020202
Tinawi, R. (1983). Une présentation de la méthode des éléments finis. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 10(1), 176–178. https://doi.org/10.1139/l83-028
Verderame, G. M., Ricci, P., Carlo, G. De, & Manfredi, G. (2009). Cyclic bond behaviour of plain bars. Part I: Experimental investigation. Construction and Building Materials, 23(12), 3499–3511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.07.002
Wang, L.-M., & Wu, Y.-F. (2008). Effect of corner radius on the performance of CFRP-confined square concrete columns: Test. Engineering Structures, 30(2), 493–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2007.04.016
Wang, Z.-H., Li, L., Zhang, Y.-X., & Zheng, S.-S. (2019). Reinforcement model considering slip effect. Engineering Structures, 198, 109493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109493
Wei, Y., Xu, Y., Wang, G., Cheng, X., & Li, G. (2022). Influence of the Cross-Sectional Shape and Corner Radius on the Compressive Behaviour of Concrete Columns Confined by FRP and Stirrups. Polymers, 14(2), 341. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14020341
Wu, G., Lü, Z. T., & Wu, Z. S. (2006). Strength and ductility of concrete cylinders confined with FRP composites. Construction and Building Materials, 20(3), 134–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.01.022
Youssef, M. N., Feng, M. Q., & Mosallam, A. S. (2007). Stress–strain model for concrete confined by FRP composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 38(5–6), 614–628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2006.07.020
Yurdakul, Ö., Artagan, S. S., Balaban, E., & Routil, L. (2022). Evaluation of cyclic bond-slip behavior of smooth bars in low strength concrete: An experimental and stochastic study. Structures, 41, 568–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2022.05.036
Zhao, J., & Sritharan, S. (2007). Modeling of Strain Penetration Effects in Fiber-Based Analysis of Reinforced Concrete StructuresConcrete Structures. ACI Structural Journal, 104(2), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.14359/18525
- Downloads
- Additional Files
- Published
- 2026-10-22
- Data Availability Statement
-
All data are available by the authors upon request
- Section
- Research Article/Original Research
- Categories
- License
-
Copyright (c) 2026 Baylasan Mohamad, George Wardeh, Firas Al-Mahmoud

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Open Access Licences
User rights
All articles published open access will be immediately and permanently free for everyone to read and download, copy and distribute.
How to Cite
Similar Articles
- Nasser Tarraf Ibrahem, Hyperspectral Images Technique in Mapping and Quantifying Gypsum Case Study: Jayroud District , Steps For Civil, Constructions and Environmental Engineering: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): January – March
- Sanaa Khalil, Nazih Abboud, Firas Almoukdad, Studying Effect of Saturation Degree on the Bearing Capacity and Failure Mechanism of Sandy Soils , Steps For Civil, Constructions and Environmental Engineering: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): January – March
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Yousra Ouled Abdelkader, George Wardeh, Hanaa Fares, Firas Al-Mahmoud, Interface‑Controlled Shear Behavior of Masonry: Insights from a Database of Triplet Tests , Steps For Civil, Constructions and Environmental Engineering: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): April - June
