Post-Blast Axial Capacity of CFRP Strengthened RC Columns

An experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate the post-blast capacity of CFRP protected reinforced concrete (RC) columns. A total of five half-scale RC columns were tested under simulated blast pressures using a shock tube testing apparatus. Three columns were strengthened with CFRP laminates of two different lay-ups, while the other two columns were left unprotected to serve as control columns. Results of this study proved that CFRP protected RC columns have substantially higher blast resistant and post-blast axial capacity than as-built columns. CFRP protection laminates containing ±45° woven laminas showed the best performance with the most ductile response.