Abstract
The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of strain rate effects in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates exposed to blast loading. The use of CFRP offers an attractive option for mitigating structures exposed to blasts. However, the effect of high strain rates in CFRP composites commonly used in the civil industry is unknown. This research conducted tensile tests of 21 CFRP coupons using a hydraulically powered dynamic loader. The strain rates ranged from 0.0015 s−1 to 7.86 s−1 and are representative of strain rates that CFRP may see in a blast when used to strengthen reinforced concrete structures. The results of the testing showed no increase in the tensile strength or stiffness of the CFRP at the higher strain rates. In addition, the results showed significant scatter in the tensile strengths possibly due to the rate of loading or manufacture of the coupon.
Highlights
Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) have been used in blast mitigations due to their ability to reach high strengths while being lightweight and applied
The question of how the material properties of the FRP change at the strain rates applied by blast loading remains unanswered
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) used in this study is made to be applied to reinforced concrete structures using a wet lay-up technique
Summary
Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) have been used in blast mitigations due to their ability to reach high strengths while being lightweight and applied. The research considers strain rates representative of what CFRP would experience if applied to a reinforced concrete element under blast loading. The CFRP used in this study is made to be applied to reinforced concrete structures using a wet lay-up technique (flexible carbon fiber fabric that is saturated with epoxy at the jobsite). This research into strain rate effects of CFRP is focused on the particular case where the CFRP is applied to a reinforced concrete element experiencing a blast loading. Gilat et al [17] further evaluated strain rate effects in carbon/epoxy composites under tensile loading by testing laminates with various fiber orientations. It is important to note that these tests were not performed on the same type of CFRP as used in this research and were often performed on very small samples of CFRP in a tension bar configuration, there may or may not be a strain rate effect at rates CFRP would see in a blast event
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