Abstract: In order to enhance the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns more efficiently, a method to strengthen concrete columns by using steel bar/wire mesh mortar (FS)was proposed. Nine RC square columns were produced. They were divided into three groups, namely FS strengthed columns, steel bar mat mortar (S) strengthened columns and a unstrengthed control column, respectively. A comparative experimental study under constant axial loading and lateral cyclic loading was carried out. Seismic bearing capacity, ductility, failure modes and hysteretic characteristics of all columns were tested, and the influence of reinforcement ratio, strengthening method and axial load ratio on the seismic behavior of tested columns was analyzed. The results show that the energy dissipation capacity of FS strengthened columns is significantly higher than that of the S strengthened columns and that of the unstrengthed control column.