Possibilities of Increasing Effectiveness of RC Structure Strengthening with FRP Materials.

Wit Derkowski,Rafał Walczak

doi:10.3390/ma14061387

Abstract

Modern composite materials based on non-metallic continuous fibres are increasingly used in civil engineering to strengthen building structures. In the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, the utilisation of externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is only up to 35% because of the pilling-off failure mechanism. This problem can be solved using pre-tensioned composite laminates. Due to more complex behaviour, the strengthening of structures by means of prestressing technology needs a careful design approach and a full understanding of the behaviour of both the materials and elements. The advantages and risks of the presented technology, which may determine the success of the entire project, will be highlighted in the paper. The possibility of using a flexible adhesive layer in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening applications for flexural strengthening of RC elements, as an innovative solution in civil engineering, will also be presented. Parallel introduction of the flexible adhesive layer (made of polyurethane masses) and a traditional epoxy adhesive layer in one strengthening system was investigated in the laboratory tests. This solution was used for the repair and protection of a previously damaged RC beam against brittle failure.

Highlights

The issue of the sustainability, durability, and safety of a building structure is important at each stage of its life cycle
In the 1980s, fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) based on non-metallic continuous fibres were first applied in civil engineering
Aramid, glass, or basalt fibres are innovative construction composites and they are increasingly used in civil engineering nowadays

Summary

Introduction

The issue of the sustainability, durability, and safety of a building structure is important at each stage of its life cycle. It is important to emphasise the role of these aspects during the planning, design, and execution of repairs and strengthening of existing civil and engineering structures. Since corrosion is one of the main factors affecting the durability of concrete building structures, especially those exposed to harmful environmental influences, for many years there has been a desire to find material and construction solutions that are resistant to corrosion and at the same time easy to use. When these solutions appear, they often become more widely used without deeper understanding.

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