Experimental study is carried out to investigate the behavior and strength of square hollow structural section
(SHS) columns, strengthened with an innovative polymer-mortar system. Thirteen specimens of cold-formed SHS
columns with different variables are chosen. Three short-column and ten long-column SHS specimens were
experimentally tested. The local and overall buckling of specimens are measured in the laboratory. The tested
specimens are subjected to an axial compressive load. The effect of the thickness of polymer-mortar applied
directly to the well-prepared steel surface was studied. The effect of slenderness ratio (kL/r) and width-tothickness
ratio (b/t) on the effectiveness of mortar strengthening was also discussed. Different failure modes are
discussed as well as complete axial strength curves are drawn for different cross-sections and member lengths. A
maximum axial strength gain of 31.6% was achieved for SHS short columns strengthened with 6mm thickness
polymer-mortar layer. For long columns, a maximum strength gain of 76.7% was achieved with 6mm thickness
polymer-mortar layer applied on four sides. In all mortar-strengthened SHS short and long columns, the axial
and lateral deflection, and the axial strain were reduced. The axial strength of SHS long slender columns increased
greatly as the overall slenderness ratio increases.