Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Committee Chair

Rakesh K. Gupta.

Abstract

The objective of this research was the investigation of the durability of composite materials employed for rehabilitation of concrete bridge piers. Standard concrete cylinders (4&inches; x 8&inches; in dimensions) wrapped with 1 layer of glass fabric embedded in an epoxy resin matrix were used to simulate the field situation. Wet lay-up method was used to wrap the concrete cylinders where the epoxy also served the purpose of bonding the composite to the concrete. Specimens were subjected to six different accelerated aging conditions: (i) pH 9.4, 73°F; (ii) pH 12.4, 73°F; (iii) pH 12.4, 150°F; (iv) pH 7.0, 150°F; (v) Dry Heat at 150°F; and (vi) Extended Freeze-thaw Cycles with 100% RH. Specimens were then tested for changes in ultimate strength and ultimate strain when exposed to 1000, 3000 and 8000 hrs of aging. Concrete cylinders wrapped with 2 and 3 layers of fabric were also tested to failure under compression to evaluate the confining effects a higher jacket thickness on the load resisting capacity of the cylinder.;Coupon level tests consisted of Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) and Tension tests conducted on separate composite coupons that were aged in a similar environment as the cylinders. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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