Evaluation of the Load Carrying Capacity of Short RC Columns Strengthened with a Novel Cementitious Material by Using FEA

Abstract

Numerical simulations based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) have become an important tool in studying various phenomena of interest to both researchers and practitioners alike. The recent advances in computational power coupled with accurate mathematical models have made FEM an indispensable tool for investigating complex loading states and material behavior that are frequently met in civil engineering. Strengthening of existing RC columns is becoming a pressing issue in the field of civil engineering due to the necessity of meeting new safety requirements for the buildings located in active seismic areas. Jacketing is a widely used method for strengthening of reinforced concrete columns showing good results in terms of increased strength and stiffness but with the addition of some unwanted effects amongst which the added dead weight is of primary importance in case of an earthquake. The paper presents the results obtained by means of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on the load carrying capacity of short RC columns strengthened with a novel Cementitious material that may be the solution to lighter structures and lower added costs compared to other existing methods.