Simplified analytical models for compressed concrete columns confined by FRP and FRCM system

In order to consider the response of concrete columns confined by FRP and FRCM system, proper models have to be formulated. In this context the present paper shows a generalized criterion for the determination of the increase in strength, in ductility and in dissipated energy for varying corner radius ratio of the cross section and fiber volumetric ratio. The procedure is based on the best fitting of several experimental data and unlike the usual empirical approaches available in the literature, the proposed technique relates the confinement effectiveness to a single parameter representative of the relative stiffness between the original concrete core and the reinforcement system. Furthermore, the proposed analytical models overcomes the limit of many empirical or semi-empirical models given in the literature that are applicable only to specific cases. A comparison with same available models confirm the reliability of the proposed procedure.