The confinement of reinforced concrete (RC) compression members by fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is an effective measure for the strengthening and retrofitting of existing structures. Thus far, extensive research on the stress–strain behavior and ultimate limit state design of FRP-confined concrete has been conducted, leading to various design models. However, these models are significantly different when compared to one another. In particular, the use of certain empirical efficiency and reduction factors results in various predictions of load-bearing behavior. Furthermore, most experimental programs solely focus on plain concrete specimens or demonstrate insufficient variation in the material properties. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on plain and reinforced FRP-confined concrete, limited to circular cross sections. The program included 63 carbon FRP (CFRP)-confined plain and 60 CFRP-confined RC specimens with a variation in the geometries and in the applied materials. The analysis showed a significant influence of the compressive strength of the confined concrete on the confinement efficiency in the design methodology, as well as the importance of the proper determination of individual reduction values for different FRP composites. Finally, applicable experimental test results from the literature were included, enabling the development of a modified stress–strain and ultimate condition design model.

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns are often placed under confinement to increase their strength and ductility. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials have recently been recognized as favorable confinement systems. At present, a number of national standards and codes dedicated to the design of concrete components strengthened with CFRP in general and CFRP confinement in particular are available. These sets of rules provide design equations for confined reinforced concrete columns with circular and rectangular cross sections. Most of the standards and codes exhibit significant differences, including the used predictive models, limitations, observed effects and covered loading conditions. In this paper, five international standards and design guidelines are introduced and discussed. The purpose is to present a constructive and critical assessment of the state-of-the-art design methodologies available for CFRP confined RC columns and to discuss effects not previously considered properly. Therefore, some recent research efforts and findings from the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences are also introduced. The obtained data is used for a comparative study of the guideline predictive equations. Furthermore, it is shown that some new findings concerning the rupture strength and the maximum strength plus accompanying axial strain of a CFRP confined column are suitable to improve the current guidelines.

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns are often placed under confinement to increase their strength and ductility. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials have recently been recognized as favorable confinement systems. At present, a number of national standards and codes dedicated to the design of concrete components strengthened with CFRP in general and CFRP confinement in particular are available. These sets of rules provide design equations for confined reinforced concrete columns with circular and rectangular cross sections. Most of the standards and codes exhibit significant differences, including the used predictive models limitations, observed effects, and covered loading conditions. In this paper, five international standards and design guidelines are introduced and discussed. The purpose is to present a constructive and critical assessment of the state-of-the-art design methodologies available for CFRP confined RC columns and to discuss effects not previously considered properly. Therefore, some recent research efforts and findings from the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences are also introduced. The obtained data is used for a comparative study of the guideline predictive equations. Furthermore, it is shown that some new findings concerning the rupture strength and the maximum strength plus accompanying axial strain of a CFRP confined column are suitable to improve the current guidelines.

The relationship between transverse and longitudinal deformations (Poisson ratio) in the compressed zone of bending reinforced concrete elements is still not properly considered in designs. This factor is important as it is related to the formation of transverse cracks in the compressed zone of the elements. The main aim of the present research was an experimental investigation of the Poisson ratio in the compressed zone of real single- and two-layer reinforced concrete beams as well as a comparison with the theoretical model proposed in this study. The elastic and elastic–plastic stages were analyzed using experimental data for real beams with a span of 8 m. It was shown that the term “Poisson coefficient” had a limited validity for elastic longitudinal deformations up to 0.5‰. After reaching this limit, the suitable term was “Poisson ratio”. The obtained results allowed a more accurate prediction of transverse deformations and the corresponding cracks, defining a new limit state for bending reinforced concrete elements. Therefore, the authors recommend that the obtained results are considered in order to increase the design accuracy of reinforced concrete bending elements. The outcomes of this study and the proposed theoretical concept should be included in modern design provisions.