Durability of Concrete Members Strengthened with CFRP Sheets under Harsh Environmental Conditions
Abstract
The deterioration of concrete structures 1s a maJor concern to the infrastructure
community. Typical sources of deterioration may include aging,.incrcased service load, and
environmental damage. Structural rehabilitation using carbon fiber reinforced polymer
(CFRP) sheets has recently attracted attention to the infrastructure community because of
the superior strengthening effects in comparison to conventional repair methods. The CFRP
sheets may be bonded on the deteriorated concrete structure using bonding agents to
enhance load-carrying capacity. The most important consideration in such a strengthening
method may be the long term durability under harsh environmental conditions.
Furthermore, premature debonding of bonded CFRP sheets may also cause significant
losses of the strengthening effects. Although extensive research has been reported on the
debonding mechanism of CFRP sheets, there is still lack of understanding on the durability
of CFRPs subject to low temperature effects. This thesis presents some major findings of
the durability performance of concrete members strengthened with CFRP sheets subjected
to harsh environments.