Abstract
Degradation of properties of (i) laminated plates of polymeric matrix and (ii) RC members with GFRP as their outer reinforcement, due to artificially accelerated aging, is described and interpreted. The effects of environmental exposure on bond between GFRP strips and concrete are examined, namely the ensuing decrease of the structural strength of the beams. Cycles of environmental aggression are shown to reduce the tensile strength of GFRP flat coupons, but to have relatively scarce consequences on the overall capacity of confined concrete columns. The comparison of different aging processes shows, e.g., that salt fog cycles reduced the compressive strength of the columns, and that a further reduction resulted from immersion in salt water, but that is significantly lower than the reduction of the tensile strength of the flat coupons for the same exposure. RC beam specimens with external tensile reinforcement of GFRP were subjected to bending along stages of artificial aging to study the effects of the latter on bond. Results are analyzed. Failure took place, most often, by rupture of concrete at a short depth from the interface with the GFRP reinforcement, except when artificial aging increased the tensile strength of concrete. Preliminary computational modeling is described that utilizes experimental data generated in the study.
Original language | Unknown |
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Title of host publication | 33rd IABSE (International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering) |
Pages | na |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2009 |
Event | SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE Environment Friendly, Safe and Resource Efficient. - Duration: 1 Jan 2009 → … |
Conference
Conference | SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE Environment Friendly, Safe and Resource Efficient. |
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Period | 1/01/09 → … |