Experimental Study on the Strength Parameters of Concrete Confined with GFRP and CFRP

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates are extensively used in retrofitting and strengthening of structures. The use of FRP is superior to the conventional method of steel jacketing in connection with strength of the retrofit, resistance to corrosion, ease of application, and also from the economic considerations, post confinement ductility, sectional area & weight. Retrofitting is done by winding of fibers & epoxy is used to bind the FRP laminates. FRP is extensively used in the united states, japan and recently it has got some recognition in India also. In spite of the wide variety of uses, basic aspects of FRP confined concrete is not understood quite well. Experimental investigation focuses on the strength parameters such as flexural strength and compressive strength of FRP confined concrete. The parameters varied in this investigation are type of fibers (CFRP or GFRP), number of plies, sequence of plies and curing period (7 days and 28 days water curing). As per the experimental investigation it is found that concrete specimens confined with CFRP have higher compressive and flexural strength for both single ply and double ply than the specimens confined with glass fiber (GFRP) after 7 days and 28 days of water curing.