Bond strength and effective bond length of FRP sheets/plates bonded to concrete considering the type of adhesive layer

Recent experimental results of the FRP–concrete bonded joint using flexible adhesive showed that the most popular analytical models available in the literature underestimate the bond strength and the effective bond length of these experiments. Most of these existing models need to be modified to consider the type of adhesive layer. Consequently, the bond strength model proposed by Chen and Teng (2001) has been modified to consider the type of adhesive layer. An extensive database consisting of about 100 test results of FRP–concrete joint has been assembled to examine the validity of the proposed model taking the type of adhesive layer into consideration. The modified bond strength model is accurately capable of predicting the bond strength and the effective bond length.     

Bond failure performances between near-surface mounted FRP bars and concrete for flexural strengthening concrete structures

Near-surface mounted (NSM) fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) has been established as an effective technique for strengthening concrete member. In preview literatures, bond failure was observed usually in the strengthened beam test for increasing flexural capacity. Bond behavior is of primary importance for the transfer of stress between the concrete and the FRP reinforcement to develop composite action. In this paper, a total of 22 tests were conducted to study the bond failure performance between NSM FRP bars and concrete besides only one test as a comparison. Failure modes, load–deflection curves, strain distribution of FRP bars, and local bond stresses at the FRP-epoxy adhesive interface from the tests were analyzed in detail. Some of the factors expected to affect bond performance were presented, namely: diameter of FRP bars, type to FRP material, concrete compressive strength and bonded length. The test results reported in this paper should be useful for further establishing local bond–slip constitute relationship and further verification of numerical simulation models, in addition to gaining a better understanding of bond failures for flexural strengthening concrete structures with NSM FRP bars.     

Ultimate behavior of axially loaded RC wall-like columns confined with GFRP

The assessment of the effectiveness of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement on rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) columns with high aspect ratio (wall-like) still represents an unresolved issue. The present paper aims at providing more experimental evidence about the behavior of such members confined with both uni-directional and quadri-directional glass FRP laminates. Particular attention is devoted to issues related to the premature failure of confining fibers experimentally observed in wall-like columns. Test results on nine axially loaded columns are herein presented; emphasis is also given to the analysis of FRP strain profiles along the sides of the cross-section. The analysis of test results highlights that glass FRP (GFRP) confinement could determine significant strength and ductility increases; the discussion of failure modes points out that the failure of GFRP confined wall-like columns is controlled by the shape of the cross-section and occurs at transverse strains in the jacket much lower than those ultimate of the fibers. Theoretical–experimental comparisons are performed using some available models for strength prediction of such members.     

Analysis and design of RC structures strengthened with mechanically fastened FRP laminates: A review

The use of Mechanically Fastened Fiber Reinforced Polymer (MF-FRP) laminates is emerging as a viable alternative to adhesively bonded FRP laminates for the rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) members such as beams and slabs. A recently published state-of-the-art review of the experimental research has demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of MF-FRP systems. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the analytical and numerical studies performed over the last decade with the aim of: (a) predicting the strength, the load-deformation response and the failure mode of rehabilitated RC members, and (b) accounting for the interfacial behavior between the concrete and the MF-FRP laminate. Ultimate strength models and constitutive models are critically reviewed based on their key assumptions and formulations and compares the analytical predictions with previously reported experimental results.     

Reliability and adaptability of the analytical models proposed for the FRP systems to the Steel Reinforced Polymer and Steel Reinforced Grout strengthening systems

The paper presents a theoretical prediction of the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams externally strengthened to flexure by using a unidirectional ultra-high tensile strength steel (UHTSS) reinforcing mesh embedded in an inorganic matrix (Steel Reinforced Grout, SRG) or in an organic matrix (Steel Reinforced Polymer, SRP).For these innovative composite materials are not yet available in literature specific standard documents, guidelines or analytical models capable to predict the structural behavior of the strengthened elements. Therefore, in order to evaluate the flexural strength of the strengthened beams some analytical models to predict the maximum axial strain developed in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems at the onset of intermediate debonding failure, have been used.The goal is to assess the effectiveness of current analytical models used, up to day, to FRP strengthening systems to the SRG and SRP strengthening systems. For this aim, a database of experimental results on RC beams strengthened in bending by bonded SRG and SRP systems has been collected.The comparisons between the theoretical predictions and the experimental data, in terms of debonding strain values, load carrying capacity, load-midspan deflection curves, have highlighted the reliability and adaptability of the current analytical models.Finally, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the SRG and SRP systems for strengthening RC beams a parametric study was also carried out.     

Experimental and Analytical Studies on Concrete Cylinders Wrapped with Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are being introduced into a wide variety of civil engineering applications. These materials have been found to be particularly attractive for applications involving the strengthening and rehabilitation of existing reinforced concrete structures. In this paper, experimental investigations and analytical studies on four series of the concrete cylinders wrapped with FRP are presented. First series consist of concrete cylinders wrapped with one layer carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), second series concrete cylinders wrapped with two layers CFRP, in third series, concrete cylinders were wrapped with one layer glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and the fourth series consist of concrete cylinders wrapped with two layers of GFRP.The results show that external confinement significantly improves the ultimate strength and ductility of the specimens.Coupon tests have also been carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the FRP. Further, review of three analytical models for confined concrete from the literature is presented in detail. The stress-strain curve of confined concrete in these models consists of a parabolic first portion and a straightline second portion. Predicted stress-strain curve of these models are compared with authors's experimental curves. In predicting the second portion of the stress-strain curve considerable deviation was observed. An analytical model is also proposed for determining the stress-strain relationship of confined concrete.The model is validated by comparing with experimental values. It is observed that the proposed model well predicts the ultimate axial strains and stresses and reproduce finely the stress-strain response of confined concrete with carbon or glass FRP.     

Critical Analysis of Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer Near‐Surface Mounted Double‐shear Pull‐out Tests

The study of the bond behaviour between fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP) systems and concrete is an issue that nowadays attracts many researchers. The scientific community dedicated to the research of FRP reinforcement has been conducting numerous experimental programmes aiming to assess the local bond–slip law of the FRP–adhesive–concrete connection. This paper reports the relevant results obtained by the Structural Composite Research Group of Minho University in the scope of an international Round Robin Test. The suitability of the recommended test setup to derive a local bond constitutive law for modelling the bond behaviour of near‐surface mounted reinforcement systems is discussed based on a deep interpretation of the results.     

Substandard reinforced concrete members subjected to compression: FRP confining effects

The investigation focuses on the effectiveness of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confinement in upgrading ductility and strength of reinforced concrete members under axial monotonic compression. An experimental program is presented that extends available database to address the behavior of old type members with square section, having extremely low concrete strength and potential longitudinal bars’ premature buckling. Reinforced concrete specimens were strengthened by carbon or glass FRP wraps while plain FRP confined concrete specimens were also constructed and tested to evaluate comparatively the confining effects of steel stirrups, FRP wraps, or of dual confinement. The achieved strength, ductility and energy absorption levels of the specimens were quantified to assess the effect of the longitudinal bars. Finally, a handy design-oriented empirical strength model is proposed. According to the proposed approach, no estimation of effective stress or strain at failure of FRP jacket is necessary. The satisfactory accuracy of the predictions of the proposed model is demonstrated through comparison against existing models and over a large database of results on uniform confinement as well as over presented specimens.     

Stress-strain behavior of concrete columns confined with hybrid composite materials

A new type of concrete columns was developed at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for new construction to achieve more durable and economical structures. The columns are made of concrete cores encased in a PVC tube reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). The PVC tubes are externally reinforced with continuous impregnated fibers in the form of hoops at different spacings. The PVC acts as formwork and a protective jacket, while the FRP hoops provide confinement to the concrete so that the ultimate compressive strength and ductility of concrete columns can be significantly increased. The volume of fibers used in this hybrid column system is very modest compared to other existing confinement methods such as FRP tubes and FRP jackets. This paper discusses the stress-strain behavior of these new composite concrete cylinders under axial compression loading. Test variables include the type of fiber, volume of fiber, and the spacing between the FRP hoops. A theoretical analysis was performed to predict the ultimate strength, failure strain and the entire stress-strain curve of concrete confined with PVC-FRP tubes. Test results show that the external confinement of concrete columns by PVC-FRP tubes results in enhancing compressive strength, ductility and energy absorption capacity. A comparison between experimental and analytical results indicates that the models provide satisfactory predictions of ultimate compressive strength, failure strain and stress-strain response.     

Modelling of the bond behaviour of tuff elements externally bonded with FRP sheets

The performance of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) materials used for external strengthening depends strongly on the bond behaviour at the FRP-substrate interface. In this paper, the results of an analytical model and of two Finite Element (FE) models (bi-and three-dimensional) for simulating bond behaviour in FRP-strengthened masonry elements using zero-thickness interface elements are presented. The primary parameters of bilinear and nonlinear bond-slip laws were determined from experimental results of single shear bond tests that the authors conducted on masonry blocks of yellow tuff bonded with FRP carbon and glass fabrics. Several parametric analyses were conducted to estimate the effect of the primary bond law parameters on the global behaviour of the specimens and to determine the effective bonded length for the investigated masonry support.     

Behavior of square and rectangular ultra high-strength concrete-filled FRP tubes under axial compression

This paper presents results of an experimental program undertaken to investigate the behavior of square and rectangular ultra high-strength concrete (UHSC)-filled fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (UHSCFFTs) under axial compression. The effects of the amount of confinement, cross-sectional aspect ratio and corner radius were investigated experimentally through the tests of 24 concrete-filled FRP tubes (CFFTs) that were manufactured using unidirectional carbon fiber sheets and UHSC with 108 MPa average compressive strength. As the first experimental investigation on the axial compressive behavior of square and rectangular UHSCFFTs, the results of the study reported in this paper allows a number of significant conclusions to be drawn. Of primary importance, test results indicate that sufficiently confined square and rectangular UHSCFFTs can exhibit highly ductile behavior. The results also indicate that confinement effectiveness of FRP tubes increases with an increase in corner radius and as sectional aspect ratio approaches unity. It is found that UHSCFFTs having tubes of low confinement effectiveness may experience significant strength loss along the initial portions of the second branches on their stress–strain curves. Furthermore, it is observed that the behavior of UHSCFFTs at this region differs from their normal-strength concrete counterparts and is more sensitive to the effectiveness of confining tube. The second half of the paper presents the performance assessment of the existing FRP-confined concrete models in predicting the ultimate conditions of the HSC and UHSCFFTs. The results of this assessment demonstrate that the existing models provide unconservative estimates for specimens with higher concrete strengths. To address this, a new model that was developed on the basis of a comprehensive experimental test database and is applicable to both NSC and HSC of strengths up to 120 MPa is proposed. The model comparisons demonstrate that the proposed model provides significantly improved predictions of the ultimate conditions of FRP-confined HSC compared to the existing models.     

Analytical identification of bond–slip relationship of EB-FRP joints

Bond–slip relationship of externally-bonded (EB) fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) joints can be determined by either directly or indirectly from a pull-off test. The indirect analytical method is gaining popularity and has been recommended in recent literature because of the more consistent and accurate results it yields. To date, loaded end slip vs applied load curve is used for indirect identification of the bond–slip relationship, ignoring the free end slip. This work shows that ignoring free end slip may result in significant errors in measuring the bond–slip relationship. The analytical method is used in this work to derive closed form solutions for FRP strain, interface slips, and bond strength of EB-FRP joints. The analytical solutions are validated by experimental results. Using the analytical solution, it is clearly shown in the paper that free end slip affects results and should be considered in deriving bond–slip relationship of EB-FRP joints, especially when bond length is short.     

Prediction of debonding strength for masonry elements retrofitted with FRP composites using neuro fuzzy and neural network approaches

This paper proposes application of neuro fuzzy and neural network for predicting debonding strength of retrofitted masonry elements. In order to achieve high-fidelity model, this study uses extensive experimental databases for bond test results between Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and masonry elements by collecting existing bond test subassemblage tests from the literature. Various influential parameters that affect debonding resistance including thickness of the FRP strip, width of the FRP strip, elastics modulus of the FRP, bonded length, tensile strength of the masonry block and width of the masonry block are considered as input parameters to the artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Test results of the ANN and ANFIS models were compared with multiple nonlinear regression, multiple linear regression and existing bond strength models. The accuracy of the optimal MNLR model was increased by 39% and 23% with respect to RMSE and MAE criteria using ANFIS. The comparison results indicated that the ANN and ANFIS models performed better than the other models and could be successfully used for prediction of debonding strength of retrofitted masonry elements.     

Assessment of Eurocode-like design equations for the shear capacity of FRP RC members

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars represent an interesting alternative to conventional steel as internal reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) members where some properties such as durability, magnetic transparency, insulation, are of primary concern. The present paper focuses on the assessment of Eurocode-like design equations for the evaluation of the shear strength of FRP RC members, as proposed by the guidelines of the Italian Research Council CNR-DT 203 [CNR-DT 203/2006. Guide for the design and construction of concrete structures reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars. National Research Council, Rome, Italy; 2006]. Both the concrete and the FRP stirrups contributions to shear are taken into account: the new equations derived with reference to Eurocode equations for shear of steel RC members are verified through comparison with the equations given by ACI, CSA and JSCE guidelines, considering a large database of members with and without shear reinforcement failed in shear.     

Shear design of reinforced concrete beams with FRP longitudinal and transverse reinforcement

The shear resisting mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with longitudinal and transverse FRP reinforcement can be affected by the mechanical properties of the FRP rebars. This paper presents a mechanical model for the prediction of the shear strength of FRP RC beams that takes into account its particularities. The model assumes that the shear force is taken by the un-cracked concrete chord, by the residual tensile stresses along the crack length and by the FRP stirrups. Failure is considered to occur when the principal tensile stress at the concrete chord reaches the concrete tensile strength, assuming that the contribution of the FRP stirrups is limited by a possible brittle failure in the bent zone. The accuracy of the proposed method has been verified by comparing the model predictions with the results of 112 tests. The application of the model provides better statistical results (mean value V_test/V_pred equal to 1.08 and COV of 19.5%) than those obtained using the design equations of other current models or guidelines. Due to the simplicity, accuracy and mechanical derivation of the model it results suitable for design and verification in engineering practice.     

Behavior and modeling of confined concrete cylinders in axial compression using FRP rings

This study suggests a secondary dense lateral reinforcement for reinforced concrete (RC) columns that are located between the primary lateral reinforcement and concrete surface, which are used to delay the buckling of longitudinal reinforcement and increase the ductility of RC columns. ‘Dense’ means that the spacing of the lateral reinforcement is smaller than the maximum gravel size. This study conducted axial compressive tests on concrete cylinders confined by dense reinforcement in order to improve the effectiveness of the dense lateral reinforcement. FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) rings were used for the reinforcement since they are corrosion resistant. The dense reinforcing method with FRP rings can successfully increase the peak strength of the concrete and the failure strain. The stress–strain curves of the confined concrete became almost bilinear with hardening behavior, which were similar to that of the concrete confined by the jackets of FRP sheets. This study also provides models of stress–strain in an axial direction and lateral strain. Based on the models, this study analyzes the confining effectiveness of the FRP rings on concrete.     

Effect of elevated service temperature on bond between FRP EBR systems and concrete

The method to increase the ultimate capacity of reinforced concrete elements, by means of Fiber Reinforced Polymers bonded on their substrate with thermosetting resins, represents a technique useable worldwide. The bonding materials used, generally epoxy resins, are sensitive to a temperature increase. In fact, the curing process of epoxies leads to low glass transition temperature (T_g) values, that may cause a relevant decay of the mechanical properties of the adhesive, even under service thermal conditions. The reduction can influence the bond performance, compromising the effectiveness of the reinforcing technique. In this work the interface behaviour FRP–concrete at elevated service temperatures is analyzed. The experimental results show a relevant influence of the temperature on bond performance, in terms of type of failure of the interface, effective bond length and bond strength.     

Three dimensional nonlinear model of beam tests for bond of near-surface mounted FRP rods in concrete

The use of near-surface mounted FRP reinforcement in reinforced concrete structures has seen a considerable increase in recent years as a strengthening method. Beam pull-out tests for near-surface reinforcement allow obtaining the local bond–slip behavior of a bonded joint. The current paper deals with the three-dimensional modeling of this kind of test with the purpose of suitably characterizing the mechanics of the bond between FRP rods and concrete. Different alternatives to represent the FRP bar – concrete interface have been evaluated. Furthermore, to do this modeling, a PID controller has also been designed to conduct the numerical tests correctly in order to properly capture the softening branch of the load-slip behavior. The numerical FE simulations were compared with previously published experimental measurements. Load-slip predictions compare well with the corresponding experimental data. The proposed model is also able to predict the failure mode at the FRP-concrete interface. Some parametric studies have also been carried out.     

Flexural strengthening of RC beams using Hybrid Composite Plate (HCP): Experimental and analytical study

Hybrid Composite Plate (HCP) is a reliable recently proposed retrofitting solution for concrete structures, which is composed of a strain hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) plate reinforced with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). This system benefits from the synergetic advantages of these two composites, namely the high ductility of SHCC and the high tensile strength of CFRPs. In the material-structural of HCP, the ultra-ductile SHCC plate acts as a suitable medium for stress transfer between CFRP laminates (bonded into the pre-sawn grooves executed on the SHCC plate) and the concrete substrate by means of a connection system made by either chemical anchors, adhesive, or a combination thereof. In comparison with traditional applications of FRP systems, HCP is a retrofitting solution that (i) is less susceptible to the detrimental effect of the lack of strength and soundness of the concrete cover in the strengthening effectiveness; (ii) assures higher durability for the strengthened elements and higher protection to the FRP component in terms of high temperatures and vandalism; and (iii) delays, or even, prevents detachment of concrete substrate. This paper describes the experimental program carried out, and presents and discusses the relevant results obtained on the assessment of the performance of HCP strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to flexural loading. Moreover, an analytical approach to estimate the ultimate flexural capacity of these beams is presented, which was complemented with a numerical strategy for predicting their load-deflection behaviour. By attaching HCP to the beams' soffit, a significant increase in the flexural capacity at service, at yield initiation of the tension steel bars and at failure of the beams can be achieved, while satisfactory deflection ductility is assured and a high tensile capacity of the CFRP laminates is mobilized. Both analytical and numerical approaches have predicted with satisfactory agreement, the load-deflection response of the reference beam and the strengthened ones tested experimentally.     

Monotonic and cyclic behaviour of isolated FRP anchors loaded in shear

Using anchors made of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) is an increasingly accepted method to delay the delamination of FRP sheets from the concrete surface and to enhance the capacity of FRP strengthened concrete structures. For many applications, FRP anchors are primarily loaded in shear. When used for seismic retrofitting schemes, the anchors are subjected to cyclic loads which may lead to premature fatigue failure. To date, however, shear strength of FRP anchors has experienced much less attention than their tension resistance. This paper documents tests on isolated FRP anchors which were conducted to determine the seismic shear capacity of FRP anchors and to propose design rules. To this end, a test setup was developed which allows direct and reverse loading of FRP anchors.