Current
international design guidelines provide predictive design equations for the
strengthening of Reinforced
Concrete (RC) columns of both circular and
prismatic cross-sections by means of FRP confinement and subject to pure axial
loading. Extensive studies (experimental and analytical) have been
conducted for the case of columns with cross-sections of the circular type, and limited
studies have been conducted on the prismatic ones. In fact, the majority of
this research has been on small-scale, plain
Concrete specimens. In this review
paper, four international design guidelines are referenced, and a comparative
study is presented that is based on the increment of concrete compressive
strength and ductility and that, includes the experimental results from six RC
columns of different cross-section shapes. The observed outcomes are used to
identify and remark upon the limitations beyond the ones specifically stated by
each of the guides and to reflect the absence of effects not considered in
current models. The purpose of this study is to present a constructive critical
comparison of the state-of-the-art design methodologies available for the case
of FRP-confined concrete RC columns and to indicate a direction for future
developments.