Abstract

This study presents a review on a novel active confinement technique for enhancing the structural behaviour of deficient concrete and reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The novel approach uses post-tensioned metal straps (PTMS) as those utilised in the packaging industry. Based on a comprehensive review on the technique, PTMS has shown an impressive enhancement in the axial load-bearing capabilities by 80–120%, ductility by up to 100%, and bond strength of lap spliced reinforcement by nearly 58%. Remarkably, the PTMS technique increases the flexural strength under eccentric loading conditions by up to 22%, accompanied by substantial increases in bending moment capacities of 69–157% depending on the adopted eccentricities. Furthermore, the technique significantly improves the torsional and shear strength of elements, converting traditional brittle shear failures into more ductile bending failures, enhancing the load-carrying capacity by 143–182% alongside enhanced deflection capacities. The investigation highlights the cost-effectiveness, durability, and straightforward application of the PTMS technique. It is also shown that, despite the significant amount of research on the technique, the lack of standards and design guidelines hinder its applicability in real strengthening projects. The study also evaluates the accuracy of existing constitutive models at predicting the strength enhacement in PTMS-confined cylinders. In this regard, it is shown that existing models can be used to calculate reasonably well (mean Pred./Exp. ratio = 0.99, standard deviation = 0.11) the additional strength provided by the PTMS confinement. Finally, research needs in the field are identified, and suggestions are provided for future research directions. This study contributes towards the use of active confinement techniques in strengthening of structures, which is expected to promote a more efficient use of materials in the construction industry.