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The main aim of this study is to examine the behavior of reinforced concrete short columns strengthened using longitudinal near surface mounted (NSM)-carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips.

A full 3D-finite element (FE) model was developed using ABAQUS in order to conduct the analysis. The model is first validated based on experimental data available in the literature, and then the effect of concrete compressive strength, number of CFRP strips that are used and the spacing between them were taken in consideration for both concentric and eccentric loading cases. The parametric study specimens were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of unstrengthened columns and served as control specimens. The second group consisted of columns strengthened by longitudinal CFRP strips at two opposite column faces.

The results of this study are used to develop interaction diagrams for CFRP-strengthened short columns and to develop best-fit equations to estimate the nominal axial load and moment capacities for these strengthened columns. The results showed that the specimens that were strengthened using more longitudinal CFRP strips showed a significant increase in axial load capacity and a significant improvement in the interaction diagram, especially at large load eccentricity values. This result can be justified by the fact that longitudinal strips effectively resist the bending moment that is generated due to eccentric loading. Generally, the process of strengthening using longitudinal strips only has a reasonable effect and it can be typically considered an excellent choice considering the economic aspect when the budget of strengthening is limited.

This research aims at studying the performance of strengthened rectangular reinforced concrete short columns with CFRP strips using FE method, developing interaction diagrams of strengthened columns in order to investigate the effect of different parameters such as compressive strength (20, 30 and 40 MPa), number of CFRP strips (1, 2, 3 and 4) and the spacing between CFRP strips in terms of the ratio of CFRP center point distance to column outside dimension ratio (0.60, 0.70 and 0.80) on the behavior of strengthened RC columns and improving empirical formulas to predict the nominal axial load and moment capacities of strengthened RC columns. These parameters that directly affect short column load carrying capacity are presented in ACI-318 (2014).

The influence of using magnetic water instead of tap water in the mechanical properties of the concrete exposed to elevated temperatures was investigated. Two concrete mixes were used and cast with the same ingredients. Tap water was used in the first mix and magnetic water was used in the second mix. A total of 48 specimens were cast and divided as follows: 16 cylinders for the concrete compressive strength test (8 samples for each mix), 16 cylinders for the splitting tensile strength (8 specimens for each mix) and 16 beams to test the influences of magnetized water on the flexural strength of concrete (8 specimens for each mixture). Specimens were exposed to temperatures of (25 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C). The experimental results showed that magnetic water highly affected the mechanical properties of concrete. Specimens cast and curried out with magnetic water show higher compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength compared to normal water specimens at all temperatures. The relative strength range between the two types of water used was 110–123% for compressive strength and 110–133% for splitting strength. For the center point loading test, the relative flexural strength range was 118–140%. The use of magnetic water in mixing concrete contribute to a more complete hydration process.

Experimental study was carried out on two concrete mixes to investigate the effect of magnetic water. Mix#1 used normal water as the mixing water, and Mix#2 used magnetic water instead of normal water. After 28 days, all the samples were taken out of the tank and left to dry for seven days, then they were divided into different groups. Each group was exposed to a different temperature where it was placed in a large oven for two hours. Three different tests were carried out on the samples, these tests were concrete compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength.

Exposure of concrete to high temperatures had a significant influence on concrete mechanical properties. Specimens prepared using magnetic water showed higher compressive strength at all temperature levels. The use of magnetic water in casting and curing concrete can increase the compressive strength by 23%. Specimens prepared using magnetic water show higher splitting tensile strength at all temperatures up to 33%. The use of magnetic water in casting and curing can strengthen and increase concrete resistance to high temperatures, a significant enhancement in flexural strength at all temperatures was found with a value up to 40%.

Previous research proved the advantages of using magnetic water for improving the mechanical properties of concrete under normal conditions. The potential of using magnetic water in the concrete industry in the future requires conducting extensive research to study the behavior of magnetized concrete under severe conditions to which concrete structures may be subjected to. These days, there are attempts to obtain stronger concrete with high resistance to harsh environmental conditions without adding new costly ingredients to its main mixture. No research has been carried out to investigate the effect of magnetic water on the mechanical properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperature. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of using magnetic water on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete subjected to elevated temperature.