This paper presents the experimental results of cyclic tests performed on full scale rectangular (300x700 mm) reinforced concrete (RC) columns strengthened with Steel Fiber-Reinforced Polymer systems. The specimens are part of a wider experimental campaign also including tests on square (300x300 mm) columns, whose results have been already published elsewhere.

The members were designed identically to specimens tested in a previous experimental campaign where the efficiency of carbon FRP (CFRP) systems was investigated. Therefore, they were realized with low concrete compression strength and reinforced by using smooth steel rebars; the reinforcement details (i.e. lap splice lengths, hoop spaces, etc.) were arranged without keeping into account any seismic details.

Experimental tests were carried out at the Laboratory of Materials & Structures of the University of Salerno, by subjecting specimens to a constant axial load and a cyclically reversed horizontal force applied in displacement control. The obtained results were then compared with the performance of companion specimens strengthened with CFRP systems. Comparisons between the two alternative composite materials included: increase of flexural strength and ductility with respect to the control (unstrengthened) specimen, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation phenomena and FRP strain values measured around the perimeter of the columns cross-section.