This paper presents a unique strengthening technique for existing concrete columns
that uses expansive materials to apply lateral pre-tensioning. The technique increases the
capacity and ductility of a column as well as achieving better utilisation of the confining FRP
(Fibre Reinforced Polymer) material. The confinement material properties and the confined
cylinder performance are investigated experimentally. From the results it is shown that it is
possible to control the degree of applied pre-tension by controlling the amount of expansive
material used. In addition, it is confirmed that jacketing columns by pre-tensioned FRP
materials can increase the load bearing capacity up to 35% compared with no pre-tensioning
and up to more than 4 times compared with unconfined concrete. The paper presents details of
experimental work undertaken for the development of the confinement pressure with different
confining materials (Carbon-CFRP, Glass-GFRP and Steel) and makes comparisons with
predictive models.
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