An
experimental study of five eccentrically loaded concrete columns confined by
unidirectional CFRP sheets is
presented. The failure modes, strain distribution
at sectional concrete, load capacities, lateral deflections, and strain
distribution of CFRP sheets along the circumference were investigated. The
results indicated that, via the reinforcement of CFRP sheets, ultimate load
capacities of concrete columns were enhanced and ductility of columns was
improved. The
reinforcing efficiency decreased with the
eccentricity increasing. For the column with a comparatively large eccentricity, though the
reinforcing efficiency was limited, the failure mode of columns changed from
compression to tension. It is also shown that, the plane strain remains, that
is, the strain in sectional concrete is linearly proportional to the distance
from the natural axis. The strain gradient in CFRP sheet, which is attributes
to the non-uniform expansion of concrete, was also observed.