•Results of compression tests on SRP confined concrete members are presented.•Results are analyzed by varying layers number, tape density and concrete strength.•SRP confinement significantly increased strength and ultimate strain of concrete.•A value of the SRP strain efficiency factor is calculated.•Predictive strength and strain models of the SRP confined concrete are developed. Steel Reinforced Polymer (SRP) materials have recently emerged as a viable and cost-effective solution for the external confinement of concrete members. So far, a few studies have been performed to investigate the compressive behavior of concrete confined by SRP wraps, as well as specific guidelines have not been published yet. In this paper, the experimental results of a large number of compression tests performed on SRP confined concrete cylinders are presented and discussed. Test results have allowed for examining the SRP effectiveness in increasing the strength and ultimate strain of concrete by mainly varying the confining stiffness of the steel jacket and the unconfined concrete strength. Preliminary predictive models for the strength and ultimate strain of concrete confined by SRP were also developed and compared with some formulations suitable for glass or carbon FRP composites, today mostly used for the external confinement of concrete members.