FRP wrapping is a strengthening technique for RC columns mostly used when
a significant confinement increase is required. This technique is extremely effective
in the case of circular cross-sections, but of marginally effectiveness for rectangular
cross-sections columns. The use of post-tensioned CFRP jackets was an attempt to
improve the confinement effectiveness for rectangular RC columns, but the level of
success has been quite limited.
This paper analyzes the viability of using an expansive resin to introduce some
level of post-tension in CFRP jacket. In a first step, the optimal percentage of water
added to trigger the resin expansion was analyzed. Using the obtained optimal value
of water, the influence on the level of jacket post-tension of the width of the gap
between the concrete surface and the CFRP jacket was investigated, and its timedependent
sensitivity was assessed. Finally, the compression behaviour of
specimens confined with this technique was assessed by performing experimental
tests. The obtained results revealed that the adopted expansive resin is not an
effective technique to assure high levels of post-tension in CFRP jackets for the
concrete confinement.(undefined