Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Hota GangaRao.

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites are continuing to gain prominence for structural and non-structural applications all across the world. FRP composites are being used as complete structural systems or in conjunction with conventional materials leading to hybrid structures. The study of using FRP rebars and wraps to reinforce our nation's existing bridge decks, beams and columns is proving that they are economical as well as future material of choice.;This research deals with the bond behavior of FRP composite wraps adhered/bonded to concrete surface. Focus of the study is on the bond degradation when the hybrid structure is exposed to different adverse environmental conditions including sustained stress. The study involves using an epoxy based system to bond glass and carbon fabrics to concrete. Specimens were aged by means of soaking them in alkaline, water, or acid solutions at either constant temperature or varying temperature for different time durations. The duration of aging ranged from 1 to 9 months. Some of the specimens were conditioned under an applied sustained load. Upon removing the specimens from their conditioning environment, tension tests were performed in the Baldwin machine using specially manufactured concrete cube holder and grip assembly. The specimens were tested before and after aging to determine if any bond degradation occurred under hygrothermal and other chemical conditions. The strain distribution along the bond line was examined. The techniques used in this study for bonding FRP composites to concrete and different test methods including field application of FRP fabrics are also discussed.

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