Retrofitting of reinforced concrete elements with fibre reinforced polymers, (FRP), wraps is one of the repair techniques used successfully for the last few years. Previous investigations have been concerned with the behaviour of rectangular RC columns strengthened by FRP wraps under axial loading. Consequently, a comprehensive study of the different parameters affecting the seismic behaviour of RC columns is important. The objectives of the research described in this paper are to carry out an experimental investigation to study the behaviour of rectangular RC columns wraped with FRP sheets under cyclic lateral and axial loading. The main parameters investigated in the research are: different anchorage systems, volumetric ratio of FRP and spacing between FRP layers. Five columns with dimensions 150x 450x2300 mm were tested under both cyclic lateral and axial loading. Different recommendations are provided for the use of FRP in strengthening rectangular columns.