Abstract
BackgroundIn Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) applications, the mechanical behaviour of the strengthening system strongly depends on the epoxy adhesive, particularly at early ages. MethodsThe present paper describes the application of an innovative technique (termed EMM-ARM: Elasticity Modulus Monitoring through Ambient Response Method) for continuous monitoring of the stiffening process of an epoxy adhesive used in structural reinforcements applications. A simultaneous study of direct pull-out tests with concrete specimens strengthened with near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon FRP laminate strips was carried out to compare the evolution of bond performance with the E-modulus of epoxy since early ages. ResultsThe peak pull-out force and the epoxy E-modulus obtained by EMM-ARM exhibit very similar evolution kinetics. ConclusionsA relationship between the evolution of epoxy E-modulus and the maximum pull-out force is assessed, highlighting the potential of applying EMM-ARM for quality control and decision-making assistance of NSM systems.
Highlights
Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members with externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates has become a popular technique over the past two decades [1, 2].More recently, the near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening technique using FRP has been increasingly used as an effective alternative to the classical approach of applying externally bonded FRP [3, 4]
The experimental work was composed of two parts: (i) Elasticity Modulus Measurement through Ambient Response Method (EMM-ARM) tests were performed for monitoring the hardening process of a structural epoxy adhesive used in FRP applications; (ii) direct pull-out tests with concrete specimens strengthened with NSM CFRP laminate strips were carried out to assess the evolution of bond performance between CFRP and concrete since early ages
The present paper described the application of EMM-ARM for monitoring of the stiffening of an epoxy adhesive used in NSM FRP strengthening applications
Summary
Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members with externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates has become a popular technique over the past two decades [1, 2].More recently, the near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening technique using FRP has been increasingly used as an effective alternative to the classical approach of applying externally bonded FRP [3, 4]. The experimental work was composed of two parts: (i) EMM-ARM tests were performed for monitoring the hardening process of a structural epoxy adhesive used in FRP applications; (ii) direct pull-out tests with concrete specimens strengthened with NSM CFRP laminate strips were carried out to assess the evolution of bond performance between CFRP and concrete since early ages.
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