A study on the behaviour of concrete columns wrapped with hemp fabric

Abstract

This study investigates the use of natural hemp fabrics for strengthening existing concrete columns. The presented results are based on an experimental setup analyzing the efficiency of natural hemp fibers for the confinement of existing concrete columns. The considered variables are: number of hemp fabrics layers, column length/diameter ratio, and the presence of transverse reinforcement. Uniaxial compression tests were performed on 36 specimens. The axial stress-strain curves, ductility, and failure modes were analyzed. The research tests results indicate that the three variables considered have significant effects on the confined columns strength and post peak behavior.