Design equations for axially loaded reinforced concrete columns strengthened with fibre reinforced polymer wraps

Step-by-step design procedures are proposed for the axial load capacity enh ancement of circular and rectangular reinforced concrete columns confined w ith fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) wraps. The design methods are intended f or practicing engineers in that they are relatively simple to apply and are made readily available in a design code format. Commentaries are presented to explain the design philosophy and rationale leading to the various desi gn equations. For purposes of validation, numerical results based on the pr oposed design equations are compared against available experimental data. S trengthening limits, as governed by creep and fatigue phenomena, are also p roposed. Whenever test data are found to be too limited, conservative appro aches are adopted. Various experimental investigations are suggested for fu ture work to further validate and update the design equations.