Strength and stiffness of post-heated columns repaired with ferrocement and fibre reinforced polymer jackets

This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out to compare the effectiveness of ferrocement and fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) jackets for the repair of post-heated square and circular reinforced concrete columns. The suite of test specimens comprised (a) non-heated and non-repaired; (b) post-heated and non-repaired and (c) post-heated and repaired, columns. Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and ferrocement jackets were used to repair the heated columns. All the columns were tested under axial compression. The test results covering the axial compressive strength, stiffness (secant stiffness), ductility, deformation and energy dissipation for the non-heated and non-repaired, and post-heated and non-repaired columns, were explored and compared with those of the post-heated columns repaired with FRP and ferrocement jackets. The test results showed that the FRP jackets increased the compressive strength, ductility, deformation ability and energy dissipation capacity of post-heated columns but did not increase the stiffness. However, the ferrocement jackets enhanced both the strength and stiffness of the post-heated columns. It is concluded that a possible combination of ferrocement and FRP jackets is the optimum solution to restore the required strength, stiffness and ductility following structural damage from a fire. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.