Abstract
Externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been in use in civil infrastructure for decades, but their long-term performance is still difficult to predict due to many knowledge gaps in the understanding of degradation mechanisms. This paper summarizes critical durability issues associated with the application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for rehabilitation of concrete structures. A variety of factors that affect the longevity of FRP composites are discussed: installation, quality control, material selection, and environmental conditions. Critical review of design approaches currently used in various international design guidelines is presented to identify potential opportunities for refinement of design guidance with respect to durability. Interdisciplinary approaches that combine materials science and structural engineering are recognized as having potential to develop composites with improved durability.
Highlights
Bonded (EB) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are one of the most economical technologies showing promise to recover deteriorated concrete structures as well as improve the resilience of critical infrastructure across the world
Impact may cause damage to (1) the fiber, which will significantly affect its capacity to carry loads; (2) the matrix, affecting its ability to transfer stresses to the fibers; and (3) the substrate, when penetration through the composite occurs leading to the reduction of local mechanical properties [59,60]
The long-term durability of Externally bonded (EB) FRP in harsh environments may limit the efficacy of these systems
Summary
Bonded (EB) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are one of the most economical technologies showing promise to recover deteriorated concrete structures as well as improve the resilience of critical infrastructure across the world. PPaarraaddooxxiiccaallllyy,,eexxcceeppttiioonnaall dduurraabbiilliittyy ooff ccoommppoossiitteess iiss oofftteenn cciitteedd aassoonneeoofftthheemmaaiinn rreeaassoonnss ffoorr tthhee uussee ooffFFRRPPoovveerrooththeerrmmataetreirailaslsininaeareorsopsapcaec,ea,uatuomtoomtiovteiv, ea,ndanmdamrianreinineidnudsutsrtireise.sA. Althltohuoguhghcocommpposoistietseshhaavveebbeeeennssuucccceessssffuulllyy uusseedd in these iinndduussttrriieesswwiitthhoouutt eexxppeerriieenncciinngg aannyy ssiiggnniifificcaannt dduurrability problems, it sshhoould bbe nnooted tthhat tthhese ““ppaareent” ccoommppoossiitteessyysstteemmssqquuiitteessiiggnniifificcaannttllyyddiifffeerrffrroommtthhoosseeuusseeddiinniinnffrraassttrruuccttuurreeaapppplliiccaattiioonnss nnoowwaaddaayyss. The primer can be the same epoxy used to saturate the dry fiber fabric, or it can be formulated to promote adhesion between EB FRP and the concrete substrate. Impact may cause damage to (1) the fiber, which will significantly affect its capacity to carry loads; (2) the matrix, affecting its ability to transfer stresses to the fibers (it was measured that FRP coupons with damaged epoxy retain 80% of the initial strength); and (3) the substrate, when penetration through the composite occurs leading to the reduction of local mechanical properties [59,60]
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