Experimental and numerical analysis of CFRP strengthened RC columns subjected to close-in blast loading

•Blast experiments were conducted to study the close-in blast effect and failure characteristics of CFRP strengthened RC columns.•Simulation is in good agreement with experiments and can describe spalling and delamination.•The effect of the CFRP sheet thickness, bond strength, anchorage system, axial load and strengthening method on the damage of CFRP strengthened RC columns is discussed.