Strengthening of RC Wall-like Columns

In recent years, increasing efforts have been geared toward enhancing the axial load-carrying capacity of wall-like (i.e. high aspect ratio) reinforced concrete columns commonly used in building estates in Singapore. Although it has been proven through experimental results that composite fiber wraps are effective in strengthening round and square columns by providing passive confinement pressure to the core concrete, wall-like columns experience less effect from confinement, which is limited to the corners. In addition, published research work on wall-like column strengthening did not consider the effects of sustained loading during the application of the fiber reinforced polymer. Consequently, the present study explores an alternative strengthening scheme that employs other materials in addition to composite sheets and will investigate the effects of sustained loading on the strengthening efficiency.