Influence of Jute Fiber Strengthening on Load Carrying Capacity of SCC Short Columns

Concrete members require strengthening due to continuous exposure to loads. Structural integrity of deteriorated elements can be improved with strengthening. Wrapping and jacketing are common strengthening techniques using carbon, glass fiber reinforced composites and ferrocement. This article investigates the axial load carrying capacity of Reinforced concrete short columns strengthened using Jute fiber reinforced composite. Two strengthening approaches viz. partial and full wrapping of columns were explored. A total of 18 self-compacting concrete columns were cast using conventional and marginal and tested under uniaxial compression. The fiber composite volume fraction (VR) was varied from 3.16 to 5.26. As compared unwrapped columns, partial wrapping and full wrapping resulted in an increment in load carrying capacity by 5.8–7.8% and 9.8–19.2%, respectively. Increment in failure load of column 6.23kN to 9.84kN was noted for every 1% increase in VR for column strengthening. The elastic modulus and stiffness was noted to increase by 1.35–1.71 times and 1.22–2.34 times as compared to unwrapped columns. Experimental results were compared with existing theoretical models and a maximum error obtained was of 6.04–12.92%. Use of natural fibers reinforced composites presents a sustainable and potential technique for strengthening of structural elements.