Aging of bond between FRP and concrete cubes

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are continuing to gain prominence for structural and non-structural applications all across the world. FRP composites are being used as complete structural systems or in conjunction with conventional materials leading to hybrid structures. This research deals with the bond behaviour of FRP composite wraps adhered/bonded to concrete surface. The study involves using an epoxy based system to bond glass and carbon fabrics to concrete. Only experimental results of concrete cubes bonded with glass fabric strips are presented herein. The main focus is on the rate of degradation of bond strength and strain under alkaline, acid and freeze–thaw conditioning of concrete blocks bonded with FRP composites and changes in strain distribution along the bonded length of glass composite strips under alkaline, acid and freeze–thaw conditioning. The specimens were tested before and after aging to determine if any bond degradation occurred under hygrothermal and other chemical conditions. The techniques used in this study for bonding FRP composites to concrete and different test methods including field application of FRP fabrics are also discussed.