Investigation on alternative bonding agents for CFRP concrete composites

Abstract

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strengthening is popular in strengthening and rehabilitation infrastructures. The most common adhesive used to create the bond between CFRP and concrete is two part epoxy resin. However, the epoxy adhesive used in Civil Engineering constructions is very sensitive to elevated temperature. In general the bond properties deteriorate rapidly around the glass transition temperature of polymeric resin (Gamage et at, 2006). Provision of adequate fire endurance to strengthened members is an important issue in the applications of buildings. Investigation of alternative bonding agent with improved thermal and mechanical properties is a key issue to expand this technology in the construction field. An extensive experimental programme was conducted using cement grout as bonding agent. Performance in flexure was investigated using three point bonding test. Parametric study was carried out on bond line thickness. This study shows improved flexural performances of composites with 3 mm thick cements grout bond. This paper presents the preliminary test results, conclusions and recommendations on future research needs.