Strengthening of Axially loaded circular concrete columns using Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

Abstract

Buildings, which are not adequately designed and detailed as per relevant standards, are highly vulnerable to earthquake ground motions. Such buildings need to be strengthened to enhance their seismic capacity. The load bearing columns are the most important structural elements of a concrete structure. The failure of columns under gravity loads or seismic loads results in catastrophic failure of the structures. Therefore it is necessary to strengthen the columns to take up designed loads in case of structural degradation or to take up additional loads due to change in use or change seismic requirements. The strengthening of existing columns using steel and concrete jacketing has been used since long for retrofitting of columns. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping has emerged as a new method for strengthening of columns. Common types of wrapping materials used are carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP). Steel fiber reinforced polymer (SFRP) composite materials have been recently introduced as an alternative to GFRP and CFRP composite materials. newlineIn this research Stainless Steel Wire Mesh (SSWM) as an alternative material for strengthening of structural elements has been explored. Review of latest research work on use of carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber and steel fiber reinforced polymer composites for strengthening of columns for axial load has been carried out. Stainless steel wire mesh made up of weaving very thin stainless steel wires (thickness 0.27 mm) available in local market is explored as a material for strengthening of concrete elements. Therefore application of SSWM is explored in present study as a substitute for CFRP, GFRP, AFRP and SFRP. SSWM has sufficient tensile strength, ductility, high bond strength with concrete, corrosion resistance, fire resistance and is an economical alternative of present FRP materials. newlineAn experimental investigation is carried out in present research work for evaluation