Time-dependent Behavior of Various FRP Composites for Structural Applications
Abstract
This thesis represents the long-term behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
materials for structural applications. FRP composites consist of high-strength fibers
embedded in an epoxy resin. The long-term investigations include i) pultruded glass FRP
(GFRP) beams subjected to sustained loads and cold temperature and ii) reinforced
concrete beams strengthened with near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon FRP (CFRP) strips.
For the first phase, test parameters include the variation of sustained intensities and
temperature. The flexural behavior of the long-term beams is studied through a combined
experimental and numerical approach, including load-carrying capacity, failure mode,
creep response, and material degradation. Some material parameters that are crucial for
practical applications are suggested using a regression analysis. A finite element model is
developed to predict the behavior of GFRP beams. An analytical model is also proposed to
estimate the long-term behavior of GFRP composites for structural applications. For the
second phase, test parameters include the variation of sustained intensities, CFRP
strengthening schemes and bonding agents. The short-term beams are loaded both
monotonically and cyclically whereas the long-term beams are loaded only monotonically.
The flexural behavior of all beams is studied through an experimental investigation,
including load-carrying capacity, failure mode, creep response, and material degradation.