LAUSR

Abstract This paper presents an investigation on the axial compression behaviour of concrete strengthened with an innovative composite, which comprises relatively high strength steel rings, wire mesh and modified high strength mortar (MHSM). In total, 38 cylindrical specimens divided into three groups were tested. The parameters studied are the ring spacing and the number of mesh layers. The results show that this composite can effectively improve the load carrying capacity, deformation capacity, ductility and energy absorption of the strengthened concrete specimens. The axial compression behaviour is predominantly governed by steel rings. As a secondary confinement, wire mesh markedly enhances ductility. The results indicate that MHSM has significant influence on the ultimate load and concrete strengthened with sufficient amount of wire mesh is potentially comparable to that with a low steel volumetric ratio. It was observed that steel rings did not reach the yield stress at the second peak load. Different models for predicting the ultimate load are discussed. The proposed empirical models provide prediction with reasonable accuracy.