Bond to Concrete of FRP Rebars after Cyclic Loading

The bond mechanism of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars to concrete was studied to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading. Five different types of 12.0- and 12.7-mm rebars were tested. The FRP rods were embedded in concrete blocks and were subjected to up to 450,000 cycles at service stress level. The loading was accompanied by immersion in water at 60 and 20°C to accelerate deterioration effects. Pullout behavior of the rods was determined at the end of the loading period. The results indicated a reduction in the bond strength after loading. Three mechanisms of failure were identified: (1) Abrasion of the surface of the rod, which, in the case of uniform resin throughout the rod, may lead to a reduction of 20–30% in the bond strength; (2) delamination of the outer layer of the resin at the surface of the rod, which may lead to a reduction of up to 60% in the bond strength; and (3) abrasion of cement particles entrapped between the rod and the concrete, which serves as the main source of “bond” for smooth rods leading to approximately 70% of reduction in the bond strength. There was no significant change in the effect of curing temperature on the loss of bond.