Journal of Composites for Construction

This research investigates the effect of externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer composite strips and fabric to the soffit of scaled slabs. Thirteen slabs of size 2,290 × 480 × 102 mm were tested to failure with varying configurations of externally bonded composites, while monitoring deflections, strains, and damage development. The measured response is compared with analytical results to demonstrate an approximate analysis method. It is shown that, although the ultimate load level can be increased significantly, failure is associated with a drastically reduced deformation capability and a change from the conventional ductile mode of failure to a more brittle one. Failure is dependent on the form of the reinforcement used and is shown to be different based on type and configuration of the external strengthening system used. Failure mechanisms range from delamination within the concrete cover and separation between tows in the prefabricated strips, to tensile rupture in the case of fabric-reinforced composite layers. Mechanisms of failure and efficiency of strengthening schemes based on fiber configuration are discussed.

An experimental program conducted at the University of Alberta showed that externally applied fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) are effective in increasing the load-carrying capacity of unreinforced masonry walls that are subjected to out-of-plane flexural loads. Ten walls with a height of 4 m were used to conduct 13 tests in two series. Both undamaged and slightly damaged walls were tested. The following experimental parameters were investigated: (1) type of fiber reinforcement; (2) amount of fiber reinforcement; (3) layout of fiber reinforcement; (4) effects of moderate compressive axial load; and (5) cyclic behavior. This paper briefly reviews the existing rehabilitation methods available and explains why the use of FRPs as external reinforcement is a possible alternative. The test setup and instrumentation of the specimens are described followed by a discussion of the results. The general behavior of the specimens is discussed with emphasis on the load deflection and strain characteristics. The modes of failure are identified and categorized. Finally, a simple analytical model is proposed and compared with the test results followed by a summary of the major results.

The research work reported in this paper involves investigation of the tensile behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) ground anchors. Variables of the tests on the anchor models were anchor fixed length, tendon type, and tendon constituent. Sixteen monorod and four multirod grouted aramid FRP (AFRP) (Arapree and Technora) and carbon FRP (CFRP) (CFCC and Leadline) anchors were tested according to standard methods of tensile tests and sustained load tests under different load levels. Test results indicated that AFRP Arapree and Technora monorod anchors showed higher displacement and slip in comparison with CFRP CFCC and Leadline anchors. Technora anchors failed because of the detaching of winding fibers from the core of the rod. CFRP anchors had a higher tensile capacity and lower creep displacement than AFRP anchors. All the tested CFRP monorod and FRP multirod anchors with a 1,000-mm fixed length appeared to have an acceptable tensile behavior according to existing codes. Creep behavior appeared to control the long-term tensile capacity of prestressed FRP ground anchors. The recommended working load for prestressed FRP ground anchors is 0.40f_pu for AFRP rods and 0.50f_pu for CFRP rods, where f_pu is the ultimate load or strength of anchor tendons.

The upgrading of bridges located in seismic areas and built according to obsolete codes is becoming a priority task for highway administrations. Among the possible upgrading strategies, the use of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) jackets is gaining widespread acceptance. In this paper, a design equation is proposed to determine the optimal thickness of FRP jackets, to enhance the ductility of existing reinforced-concrete (RC) bridge piers with circular cross sections. The design procedure stems from the definition of an upgrading index, given as the ratio of the target to availability ductility at the pier base section, to be attained through FRP jacketing. The available ductility is that identified through the usual assessment procedures on the RC member set for upgrade, whereas the target ductility is evaluated based on the expected actions on the bridge. The upgrading index is initially defined in general terms and is subsequently extended to the case of piers built in seismic regions. It results in a simple expression in terms of easily computable quantities, such as the ultimate strain and the peak strength of concrete, before and after upgrading. A parametric study on old-code–designed bridge pier sections, upgraded with either glass or carbon fiber jackets, is performed based on a fiber-section model equipped with a newly developed FRP-confined concrete model. This study shows that the index, despite its simplicity, yields excellent predictions of the ductility increase obtained through FRP wrapping, and it is therefore used to develop a design equation. The equation allows the design of the optimal thickness of FRP jackets in terms of the desired upgrading index, mechanical characteristics of the selected composite material, and quantities defining the initial state of the pier section. The design procedure has been applied to available experimental tests of a scaled bridge pier wrapped with FRP and tested to failure, and it has been demonstrated to be very effective.

The performance of conventionally reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in flexure with externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymers (EB-FRP) was studied by compiling and analyzing an experimental database. A total of 127 specimens from 23 separate studies were included in the database. A profile of specimens in the database is given, followed by an analysis of trends in failure mode, strength gain, and deformability. Failure by debonding of FRP was prevalent among specimens in the database. One-third of the specimens with external reinforcement added showed strength increases of 50% or more in combination with considerable deflection capacity. It was clear from the experimental studies that the procedures followed were most representative of member strengthening rather than repair. Most of the specimens in the database were not subjected to sustained loading or damage causing loss of original capacity before external reinforcement was added. To assess the real potential of using FRP for expedient and economical field repair and strengthening of RC members, it was concluded that future research on the application of FRP to RC members should focus on conditions that are similar to what is observed in the field, including the effects of sustained load during repair/strengthening as well as corrosion- and load-induced damage.

The use of near surface mounted (NSM) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods is a promising technology for increasing flexural and shear strength of deficient reinforced concrete (RC) members. As this technology emerges, the structural behavior of RC elements strengthened with NSM FRP rods needs to be fully characterized. Given the variability of material properties and groove geometry, this requires that the tensile properties of the FRP rod and the mechanics of load transfer between NSM FRP rods and concrete be investigated. Tensile and bond tests on commercially available carbon FRP deformed rods for application as NSM reinforcement were carried out using test methods that are expected to become standards in North America. Three full-size beams, one control beam and two beams strengthened in shear with NSM FRP rods, were tested. Test results are presented and compared with the predictions of a simple design approach, showing reasonable agreement.

Poststrengthening and retrofitting is a growing reality, as existing structures are required to meet the demands of modern society. Apart from the need to increase load capacity, upgrading of a structure may be necessitated through deterioration of the structure by corrosion or accidental damage, a change in the structural system, or to rectify initial design and construction faults. A commonly observed mode of failure for beams strengthened using carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composite material plates is one due to the plate peeling off prematurely and unpredictably at relatively low magnitudes of applied loading. End plate anchorages and long unanchored plate lengths, which can add significantly to the overall cost of a strengthening solution, overcome this problem. This paper presents the results of flexural tests on ten reinforced concrete beams strengthened with different plate configurations. A strain compatibility and force equilibrium method of analysis, coupled with an empirical rule derived from the test data, is demonstrated to be effective in predicting the ultimate response of simply supported beams in bending with and without end plate anchorages and irrespective of plate length.

This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study to examine the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer rods gripped by a wedge anchor, comprised of an aluminum sleeve, four stainless steel wedges, and a stainless steel barrel. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer rod-anchor system was tested under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. In the static load tests, the effect of presetting loads, usage history, and sleeve material were investigated. Presetting load levels of 50, 65, 80, and 100 kN were used, and tests were conducted with new and reused anchors. Aluminum and copper sleeves were considered. As the presetting load increased, the displacement (or slip) of the rod and sleeve decreased. No significant effect of reusing the anchor was found other than replacing the sleeve. Anchors with copper sleeves performed poorly at low presetting loads, in comparison to aluminum sleeves. Cyclic load tests were conducted on anchors using aluminum sleeves with a presetting load of 80 kN. The effects of cycling on the rod and sleeve displacement were minor for different mean stresses and stress ratios. A finite-element model, consisting of three contact surfaces, was applied to simulate the anchor components; the displacement of the rod compared well with experimental results.