Advances in Concrete Construction

Volume 19, Number 6, 2025, pages 403-410

DOI: 10.12989/acc.2025.19.6.403

Enhancing resilience of repaired RC column using thin polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete jacketing

Rachid Labdaoui, Abdennour Toukal and Mohammed Kadri

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of thin jacketing with polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete for strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Full-scale specimens were retrofitted using thin jackets of polypropylene fiberreinforced concrete, steel fiber-reinforced concrete, and plain concrete, then subjected to a constant vertical load combined with cyclic horizontal loading to simulate seismic conditions. Key performance metrics, including load-bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, damage index, and crack propagation, were assessed and compared. The findings highlight the effectiveness of fiber-reinforced concrete thin jacketing in enhancing the seismic performance of RC columns. Notably, this method significantly improves load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation while delaying crack formation and enhancing overall seismic resilience.

Key Words

cyclic loading; damage index; polypropylene fibers; RC columns; reinforcement; steel fibers

Address

(1) Rachid Labdaoui, Abdennour Toukal: Materials-Processes and Environment Research Unit, University of Boumerdes, 35000, Algeria; (2) Mohammed Kadri: Civil Engineering Department, University of Boumerdes, 35000, Algeria.