Mechanical and Bond Characteristics of SRP and CFRP Reinforcement - A Comparative Research

Abstract

The paper reports results from the two first phases of an experimental research programme on the behaviour of concrete beams strengthened with reinforced polymers. The work presented here refers to results from tensile tests of SRP (Steel Reinforced Polymer) and CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) strips, with and without epoxy resin, as well as bond tests of polymer strips glued on rectangular concrete prisms. Concrete mix for the prisms was designed with a view to simulating the concrete strength that was used in Greece during the period from 1960 to 1980 for residential and office buildings. Various configurations of SRP and CFRP strips were bonded to ten rectangular concrete prisms using epoxy resin. The main parameters of the tests were the fibre type (steel, carbon), strip length, and strip width. For each specimen the deformation law (bond strength vs. total slip) up to maximum strength and elongation at failure, was recorded. Tested materials were classified according to their debonding strength and deformation capacity. Useful conclusions were drawn with respect to the influence of reinforced polymers length and width on the strength and deformation capacity. Analytical models available in the literature were applied, and the one proposed by Chen and Teng was found to better match the ex- perimental measurements.