• This project discusses on the behavior of unwrapped and GFRP (Glass fiber reinforced polymer) wrapped hollow circular steel tubes under axial and eccentric compression (25 mm and 50 mm). Finite element analyses through ANSYS were carried out on similar specimens.
• Present study was carried out on wrapped and unwrapped hollow steel tubes under axial and eccentric compression. Strengthening is achieved through glass fiber sheet with epoxy binder. The following conclusions are arrived from both experimental and numerical results.
• Good agreement exists between the loads vs. axial shortening curves obtained from experimental study with that of the curves obtained from numerical study.
• For both axial loading and minor eccentric loading, control of localized buckling along with percentage increase in stiffness and energy absorption are significant for strengthened specimens with two layers of wrapping.
• Whereas the percentage increase in stiffness and energy absorption is not significant for wrapped specimens subjected to high eccentric loading.
• Ductility is also improved through wrapping both for axial and eccentric loading.
• Increasing the number of wrap layers above two caused unfavourable inward buckling.
• The numerical model could be used for validating similar specimens under biaxial eccentricity.
• Study could be extended for square and rectangular hollow columns under eccentric load conditions.

Published Article: Research Article