Development of the Nonlinear Bond Stress–Slip Model of Fiber Reinforced Plastics Sheet–Concrete Interfaces with a Simple Method

A new analytical method for defining the nonlinear bond stress–slip models of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) sheet–concrete interfaces through pullout bond test is proposed. With this method, it is not necessary to attach many strain gauges on the FRP sheets for obtaining the strain distributions in FRP as well as the local bond stresses and slips. Instead, the local interfacial bond stress-slip models can be simply derived from the relationships between the pullout forces and loaded end slips. Based on a series of pullout tests, the bond stress–slip models of FRP sheet–concrete interfaces, in which different FRP stiffness, FRP materials (carbon FRP, aramid FRP, and glass FRP), and adhesives are used, have been derived. Only two parameters, the interfacial fracture energy and interfacial ductility index, which can take into account the effects of all interfacial components, are necessary in these models. Comparisons between analytical results and experimental ones show good accordance, indicating the reliability of the proposed method and the proposed bond stress–slip models.     

Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Members Externally Wrapped with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

The effectiveness of external wrapping with fiber-reinforced polymer for enhancing the curvature ductility of lightly reinforced concrete members is investigated. Referring to members with circular transverse cross sections, the performances in terms of both strength and ductility capacities are analyzed, and the predictive reliability of two different recent constitutive models, available in the literature and able to take into account the softening behavior of confined concrete, is checked. A parameter characterizing the effectiveness of the confining wrapping is proposed, and characteristic values are suggested. Moreover, referring to ductility increases due to confinement effects, a comparison is made between the predictions obtained using the constitutive models and simple expressions given in recent codes. Parametric analyses carried out highlight the importance of a definition of the limits of validity of expressions given in the literature for estimation of ductility increases in order to avoid nonconservative assessment.     

Effect of Contact Pressure on Bond Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer to Concrete

In this technical note, the importance of contact pressure (0.03 N/mm2) during curing of adhesive between fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and concrete is addressed. The shortcoming of fast-curing epoxy resin is pointed out. Different pressures and an ordinary epoxy resin were chosen to assess the effectiveness of contact pressure on FRP-to-concrete bond strength. The test results showed that the bond quality could be significantly improved by exerting a contact pressure ≥ 0.01 N/mm2. A simple and easy site-operation method for exerting contact pressure is also introduced.     

Repair of Damaged Steel-Concrete Composite Girders Using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

The aging infrastructure of the United States requires significant attention for developing new materials and techniques to effectively and economically revive this aging system. Damaged steel-concrete composite girders can be repaired and retrofitted by epoxy bonding carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to the critical areas of tension flanges. This paper presents the results of a study on the behavior of damaged steel-concrete composite girders repaired with CFRP sheets under static loading. A total of three large-scale composite girders made of W355×13.6 A36 steel sections and 75-mm-thick by 910-mm-wide concrete slabs were prepared and tested. One, three, and five layers of CFRP sheet were used to repair the specimen with 25, 50, and 100% loss of the cross-sectional area of their tension flange, respectively. The test results showed that epoxy bonded CFRP sheet could restore the ultimate load-carrying capacity and stiffness of damaged steel-concrete composite girders. Comparison of the experimental and analytical results revealed that the traditional methods of analysis of composite beams were conservative.     

Durability Evaluation of Glass Fiber Reinforced-Polymer-Concrete Bonded Interfaces

In this investigation, 90-cm-long plain concrete beam specimens reinforced with externally bonded wet-laid glass fiber reinforced-polymer sheets are investigated. The specimens are precracked with a three point flexural load, subjected to a constant four point flexural load of about 25% of the initial ultimate moment, and placed into different environmental conditions. The four environmental conditions under investigation are indoor laboratory, outdoor, elevated temperature/dry, and freeze/thaw. By varying the exposure time in different environments and using the photoelastic coating method to evaluate strain distributions, the durability of the externally reinforced concrete beams is evaluated. An innovative approach based on fracture mechanics and local bond shear stress-slip relationships is proposed to explain the degradation mechanism. This approach is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively characterizing the environmental effect in terms of the parameters of the shear stress-slip law. Four one-dimensional shear stress-slip relationships are evaluated in terms of their ability to model the environment-dependent strain distribution and debond data obtained in the present investigation.     

Peeling Behavior and Spalling Resistance of Bonded Bidirectional Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets

This paper presents the peeling behavior and spalling resistant effect of bidirectional fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets externally bonded to concrete surfaces. Experimental investigations are carried out through a series of newly designed punching-peeling tests. A wide range of variables, such as FRP sheet layers and fiber direction, plate constraint, concrete strength, adhesives, bond length of FRP sheets, diameter of indenter, and types of fibers, are considered in the experimental investigation. Theoretical study is also conducted for the specimens. Interfacial fracture energy is calculated analytically using a membrane-peeling method. It is realized that only two material parameters, i.e., the interfacial fracture energy of the FRP-concrete interface and the tensile stiffness of FRP sheets, are necessary to represent the interfacial spalling resistant behavior. Finally, the theoretical results are validated by comparing with experimental results. Comparison of theoretical to experimental results shows that the proposed theoretical model is satisfactory in reasonably and accurately predicting the peeling behavior and spalling resistant capacity of bidirectional FRP sheets bonded to concrete surface.     

Behavior of Bond-Critical Regions Wrapped with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets in Normal and High-Strength Concrete

This paper reports on the third phase of a multiphase study undertaken at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to examine the effect of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets in confining tension lap splice regions in reinforced concrete beams. Results of the first two phases showed that glass and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP and CFRP) sheets were effective in increasing the bond strength and improving the ductility of the mode of failure of tension lap splices in high-strength concrete (HSC) beams with nominal concrete strength of 70 MPa. The experimental results of the two phases were used to propose a new FRP confinement parameter, Ktr,f, that accounts for the bond strength contribution of FRP sheets wrapping tension lap splice regions in HSC beams. In this third phase of the AUB study, the trend of the results of phases 1 and 2 and the validity of the analytical model proposed were verified if normal-strength concrete (NSC) is used instead of HSC. Seven beams with nominal concrete strength of 27.58 MPa (4 ksi) were tested in positive bending. Each beam was designed with a tension lap splice in a constant moment region in the midspan of the beam. The main test variables were the configuration (1 strip, 2 strips, or a continuous strip) and the number of layers (1 layer or 2 layers) of the CFRP sheets wrapping the splice region. The test results demonstrated that CFRP sheets were effective in enhancing the bond strength and ductility of failure mode of tension lap splices in NSC in a very similar way to HSC. In addition, the FRP confinement index proposed earlier for HSC was proven to be valid in the case of NSC.     

Behavior of Gravity Load-Designed Rectangular Concrete Columns Confined with Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets

This study concentrates on analytical evaluation of the effect of external confinement using fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) sheets on the response of concrete rectangular columns designed for gravity load only and having spliced longitudinal reinforcement at the column base. A general analytical scheme for evaluating the strength capacity and ductility of the columns under combined flexural–axial loads was developed. The analysis takes into account the bond strength degradation of the spliced reinforcement with increase in lateral load by incorporating a generalized bond stress–slip law, and considers the effect of FRP confinement on the stress–strain response of concrete material. Particular emphasis is placed in the analysis on the slip response of the spliced bars and the consequent fixed end rotation that develops at the column base. Results predicted by the analysis showed very good agreement with limited experimental data. A parametric evaluation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different design and strength parameters on the column response under lateral load. Without confinement, the columns suffered premature bond failure and, consequently, low flexural strength capacity. Confining the concrete in the columns end zone at the splice location with FRP sheets enhanced the bond strength capacity of the spliced reinforcement, increased the steel stress that can be mobilized before bond failure occurs, and consequently improved the flexural strength capacity and ductility of the columns. A general design equation, expressed as a function of the main parameters that influence the bond strength capacity between spliced steel bars and FRP confined concrete, is proposed to calculate the area of FRP sheets needed for strengthening of the subject columns.     

3D Finite-Element Analysis of Substandard RC Columns Strengthened by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Numerical analyses are performed to predict the stress–strain behavior of square reinforced concrete columns strengthened by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheet confinement. The research focuses on the contribution of FRP sheets to the prevention of elastic buckling of longitudinal steel bars under compression, in cases of inadequate stirrup spacing. A new Drucker–Prager-type plasticity model is proposed for confined concrete and is used in constructed finite-element model. Suitable plasticity and elasticity models are used for steel reinforcing bars and fiber-reinforced polymers correspondingly. The finite-element analyses results are compared against published experimental results of columns subjected to axial compression, to validate the proposed finite-element model. Stress concentrations in concrete core and on FRP jacket are investigated considering circular or square sectioned, plain or reinforced concrete columns. Geometry of the section as well as the presence of steel bars and stirrups affect remarkably the variation and magnitude of stress on FRP as percentage of its tensile strength.     

Fatigue Behavior of Concrete-Filled Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tubes

To date, research on concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFT) has focused on the effect of static loads, simulated seismic loads, and long-term sustained loads. Dynamic fatigue behavior of CFFTs, on the other hand, has received little or no attention. This paper reports on an experimental study to evaluate damage accumulation, stiffness degradation, fatigue life, and residual bending strength of CFFT beams. A total of eight CFFT beams with four different types of FRP tube were tested under four point bending. Test parameters included reinforcement index, fiber architecture, load range, and end restraints. Fatigue performance of CFFT beams is clearly governed by characteristics of the FRP tube and its three phases of damage growth: matrix cracking, matrix delamination, and fiber rupture. Lower reinforcement index increases stiffness degradation and damage growth, and shortens fatigue life. End restraints, e.g., embedment of FRP tube in adjacent members, promote composite action, arrest slippage of concrete core, and enhance fatigue life of CFFT beams. It is suggested that a maximum load level of 25% of the static capacity be imposed for fatigue design of CFFTs. With proper design, CFFTs may withstand repeated traffic loading necessary for bridge girders.     

Experimental Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Sheets Attached to Concrete Surfaces Using CFRP Anchors

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite sheets have gained popularity as a viable strengthening technique for existing reinforced concrete structures. The efficiency of the strengthening system largely depends on adequate bond between FRP sheets and the concrete substrate. In recent years, techniques to anchor FRP sheets have been proposed in applications that have limited distance to develop FRP sheet strength. One promising technique consists of fabricating and bonding FRP anchors during the FRP sheet saturation and embedding them into predrilled holes in the concrete substrate. This paper presents experimental results highlighting the complex behavior between FRP sheets and anchors. The primary failure modes that the sheet-anchor system can experience are identified. The experiments identify the main variables that influence the FRP anchor-sheet system behavior. This research contributes to the needed experimental database that will aid in future development of design recommendations of this anchorage system.     

Flexural Response of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with End-Anchored Partially Bonded Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Strips

This paper presents the results of experimental and analytical studies carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with end-anchored partially bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips. A total of six beams, each 2400 mm long, 150 mm wide, and 250 mm deep with a tension steel reinforcement ratio of 1.18%, were tested. One beam was left unstrengthened as the control, another beam was strengthened with a fully bonded CFRP strip, and the remaining four beams were strengthened with partially bonded CFRP strips placed on the tension face of the beam and fixed at both ends using a mechanical anchor. The influence of varying the CFRP unbonded length (250 mm, 750 mm, 2×500 mm, and 1,250 mm) on the beam flexural response was studied. The experimental results revealed that end-anchored partially bonded CFRP strips significantly enhanced the ultimate capacity of the control beam and performed better than the fully bonded strip with no end-anchorage. This observation stresses the importance of end-anchorage in such strengthening schemes, especially considering that the end-anchored partially bonded CFRP strengthened beams showed similar flexural behavior trends. Finally, an inelastic section analysis procedure that takes into consideration the incompatibility of strains was developed to verify the obtained test results. The analysis produced good predictions of the experimental results in terms of the moment-curvature response and showed the effect of CFRP unbonded length on the strain of the internal tension steel.     

Effects of Loading Rate and Duration on Axial Behavior of Concrete Confined by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

In this study, 18 concrete cylinder specimens were tested either under uniaxial compression at different loading rates or exposed to sustained axial stresses after being jacketed externally with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The specimens were cast using medium strength concrete. All the specimens had identical dimensions and level of confinement. Loading rate and applied sustained stress level were the main test parameters. Applied loading rate varied between 0.0002 and 0.04 strain/min. Four stress levels between 0.52 and 0.85fcc′ (0.90 and 1.46fco′) were used in short-term creep tests. Test results showed that the stress-strain behavior of CFRP confined concrete was influenced by the change in loading rate, and CFRP confinement provided considerable increase in the creep performance of concrete. The strength enhancement was more pronounced for specimens loaded at higher strain rates, while specimens loaded at slower strain rates exhibited better deformability. Results obtained from short-term monotonic loading tests were also compared with the results of two analytical approaches originally developed for plain concrete. None of the specimens failed during the short-term creep tests. However, the lifetime of the specimen, which was subjected to 0.85fcc′ (1.46fco′) sustained axial stress, was predicted as 20 days. Results of residual strength tests showed that specimens did not have any strength loss due to sustained loading.     

Experimental and Computational Studies on High-Strength Concrete Circular Columns Confined by Aramid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

The aim of this paper is to study the properties of high-strength concrete (HSC) circular columns confined by aramid fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) sheets under axial compression. A total of 60 specimens were tested, considering the following parameters: the compressive strength of concrete, the number of AFRP layers, and the form of AFRP wrapping. In addition, an analytical model for predicting the stress–strain curves is proposed based on the experimental results. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite-element model with a Drucker–Prager plasticity model for the concrete core and an elastic model for the AFRP is developed by using the finite-element code ANSYS. It is demonstrated that the strength and ductility of the columns with continuous AFRP wrapping are increased greatly; whereas the strength of the columns with discontinuous AFRP wrapping is also increased, but the ductility is not always increased notably. The analytical model and the finite-element model are validated against the experimental results.     

Shear Retrofit of Hollow Bridge Piers with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Hollow bridge piers are currently being used in high-speed rail and highway projects in Taiwan. The flexural ductility and shear capacity of such piers with the configuration of lateral reinforcement used in Taiwan has recently been studied.?This paper reports that circular and rectangular hollow bridge piers retrofitted by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets were tested under a constant axial load and a cyclic reversed horizontal load to investigate their seismic behavior, including flexural ductility, dissipated energy, and shear capacity. An analytical model is also developed to predict the moment-curvature relationship of sections and the lateral load-displacement relationship of piers. Based on the test results, the seismic behavior of such piers is presented. The test results are also compared with the proposed analytical model. It was found that the ductility factors of the tested piers ranged from 3.3 to 5.5 and that the proposed analytical model could predict the lateral load-displacement relationship of such piers with reasonable accuracy. All in all, CFRP sheets can effectively improve both the ductility factor and the shear capacity of hollow bridge piers.     

Behavior of Concrete Beams Strengthened with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates under Impact Loading

Most of the research on application of composite materials in civil engineering during the past decade has concentrated on the behavior of structural elements under static loads. In engineering practice, there are many situations in which structures undergo impact or dynamic loading. In particular, the impact response of concrete beams strengthened with composite materials is of interest. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted to study the impact effects on concrete beams strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer laminates. Two types of composite laminates, carbon and Kevlar, were bonded to the top and bottom faces of concrete beams with epoxy. Five beams were tested: two strengthened with Kevlar laminates, two strengthened with carbon laminates, and one unretrofitted beam as the control specimen. The impact load was applied by dropping a steel cylinder from a specified height onto the top face of the beam. The test results revealed that composite laminates significantly increased the capacity of the concrete beams to resist impact load. In addition, the laminates reduced the deflection and crack width. Comparing the test results of the beams strengthened with Kevlar and carbon laminates indicated that the gain in strength depends on the type, thickness, weight, and material properties of the composite laminate.     

Residual Behavior of Fire-Exposed Reinforced Concrete Beams Prestrengthened in Flexure with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Numerous research studies have shown externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials can be used efficiently and economically to repair and retrofit deteriorated or understrength concrete structures. FRP materials are being widely applied in the rehabilitation of deteriorated bridges, however, their use in buildings has been limited, partly because of insufficient knowledge about the performance of FRP materials in fire. To enable further applications of FRPs in buildings, this paper presents a study on the residual performance after fire of four reinforced-concrete (RC) T-beams that were prestrengthened with externally bonded FRP sheets and provided with a supplemental fire protection system. Results from this study suggest that the RC beams strengthened with FRPs prior to fire exposure retained most of their initial unstrengthened flexural capacity after fire. This is attributed to the fact that the temperature of the internal concrete and reinforcing steel was kept to below 200 and 593°C, respectively.     

Effect of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Confinement on Bond Strength of Reinforcement in Beam Anchorage Specimens

This paper reports on the fourth phase of a multiphase study undertaken at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to examine the effect of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets in confining bond-critical regions in reinforced concrete beams. Results of the first three phases showed that glass- and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP and CFRP) sheets were effective in increasing the bond strength and improving the ductility of the mode of failure of tension lap splices in high-strength concrete (HSC) and normal-strength concrete (NSC) beams. The main objective of the fourth phase of the AUB study was to assess the effect of CFRP sheets in improving the serviceability and ultimate response of beam anchorage specimens. The added experimental data and the improved knowledge of the bond behavior of FRP confined concrete members will encourage the use of FRP technology to strengthen and retrofit bond anchorage zones. Ten beam anchorage specimens were tested in positive bending in two series. The variables were bar size, anchorage length, and concrete strength. For each bar size, anchorage length, and concrete strength, two companion specimens—identical except for whether the anchorage zone was wrapped with FRP sheets or not wrapped—were tested. The test results demonstrated that CFRP sheets were effective in enhancing the bond strength and ductility of anchorage zones in beam anchorage specimens where splitting failures were imminent.     

Evaluation of Bond Strength in Concrete Elements Externally Reinforced with CFRP Sheets and Anchoring Devices

Use of anchoring devices can be useful to avoid or delay end debonding failure in reinforced concrete elements externally bonded with fiber-reinforced plastic materials. Many theoretical formulations are now available to predict bond strength, but no design provisions have been suggested to take into account the beneficial effect of anchorage devices. This paper presents the results of experimental bond tests performed on concrete blocks externally strengthened with carbon fiber sheets. The prime focus is the evaluation of effect given by three different types of anchorage systems upon increasing debonding load. A simple model is introduced to predict the influence of the examined anchorage systems on the debonding load. Its accuracy is confirmed by comparisons with the experimental results.     

Hybrid Bonding of FRP to Reinforced Concrete Structures

The adhesive attachment of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) laminate to the external face of reinforced concrete structures is currently one of the most popular and effective methods for retrofitting and strengthening concrete structures. With this method, the additional strength of the attached reinforcement is transmitted into the concrete members through adhesion. However, the relatively weak adhesive interface fundamentally limits the efficacy of the method. Much effort has been made in the research community to improve the bond strength and develop bond models, but a satisfactory solution has yet to be found. Mechanical fastening is another more traditional technology that is used to bond one material to another. This paper introduces a new hybrid bonding technique that combines adhesive bonding and a new type of mechanical fastening. The new mechanical fastening technique does not rely on bearing to transmit the interfacial shear, but instead increases the interfacial bond by resisting the separation of the FRP laminate from the concrete substrate. Experimental tests demonstrated that the bond strength with this new hybrid bonding technology was 7.5 times that of conventional adhesive bonding. Furthermore, the new bonding technique is applicable to all types of commercially available FRP laminate (fabric, sheet, plate, and strip), and in principle is also applicable to materials other than FRP.