Effects of Cyclic Loading, Freeze-Thaw and Temperature Changes on Shear Bond Strengths of Different Concrete Repair Systems

Abstract

An experimental study was performed to evaluate the residual shear bond strengths between different cementitious and resinous repair materials and substrate concrete after being subjected to cyclic loading, freeze-thaw, and temperature changes. In this paper, techniques and results of test methods that induce shear along the repair/concrete interface are discussed. In addition to the effect of surface preparation on the strength of the old concrete surface, which proved the saw cut surface as the most suitable substrate concrete for shear bond strength assessment, by means of cylindrical shear and friction-transfer methods, the effects of cyclic loading, freeze-thaw, and temperature changes on the shear bond strengths of six different repair systems are illustrated. Analysis of the results indicated that: in order to avoid fatigue failure, the maximum safe stress level to be applied should be between 20 to 40% of the original shear bond strength of the repair system, and the critical stress level differs for different repair materials; 300 freeze-thaw cycles can reduce the shear bond strength of a resin mortar by up to about 80%; and 200 cycles, of temperature changes can reduce the original shear bond strength of a cementitious mortar by up to about 90%.