Characteristics of concrete/CFRP bonding system under natural tropical climate

Abstract

Utilizing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites for repairing, strengthening and upgrading concrete structures has been a very successful technique in recent years. Previous studies confirmed bonding CFRP plate to the concrete elements increased the mechanical performance such as flexural and shear resistance. However, the long-term bond integrity performance needs to be investigated further, focusing especially on the bond interfaces in various environmental conditions. In addition, little literature exists about the durability of the system in tropical climate. The current investigation is concerned with the behavior of concrete/CFRP bonding system in various environmental conditions focused on natural tropical climate which is an extremely hot/wet environment. Concrete/CFRP double lap joints prepared and subjected to diverse exposures. Pull-out tests conducted and the bonding characteristics investigated in detail. The results demonstrated the average bond strength of specimens subjected to tropical outdoor condition for 6 months deteriorated slightly.