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Several rehabilitation techniques have been proposed and widely studied over the last decades due to the increasing necessity of extending the service life of concrete structures. One of the most remarkable techniques involves the application of advanced composite materials, especially CFRP, in the strengthening of R/C structures. The effectiveness of this technique has been proved throughout extensive research programmes. Nevertheless, these programmes have focused mainly on the flexural strengthening and rehabilitation of beams and slabs. The objective of this study is to provide initial data on the application of CFRP sheets for the strengthening of concrete elements subjected to axial loading. The experimental programme consists on casting several concrete cylinders (15x30 cm) and prisms (10x10x23 cm) in order to evaluate the application of CFRP sheets to improve their axial behaviour. The combination of different concrete compressive strength and fibre orientation is studied, as well as the effect of confinement on the increase of load-carrying capacity of concrete columns subjected to axial compression. The increases in ultimate load and stiffness are evident, especially due to confinement.