Characterization of the interfacial bond between old concrete substrate and ultra high performance fiber concrete repair composite

Abstract

The interfacial bond characteristics between normal concrete substrate as old concrete and ultra high performance fiber concrete as repair material have been investigated. Normal concrete substrates were first subjected to different surface preparation methods prior to bonding the ultra high performance fiber concrete to form repair composites. The interfacial mechanical bond of the composites was assessed using slant shear and tensile splitting strength tests. In addition, rapid chloride permeability test was performed to ascertain the potential chloride resistance of the composites. The microstructure of the transition zone between the normal concrete and ultra high performance fiber concrete was also studied using scanning electron microscope. The results generally indicate that surface preparation of the substrate is very much required to obtain superior mechanical bond of the composites; whereby the composites with the sand-blasted substrate providing the most superior mechanical bond. The excellent bond of the composite is also evident through the rapid chloride permeability test, as well as confirms by the scanning electron microscope image of the interface. Hence, the ultra high performance fiber concrete exhibits significant potential as an excellent material for repair and rehabilitation of concrete structures.