The 13th International Symposium on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement for Concrete Structures

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Application of wet lay-up Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems in the repair industry is well accepted.

These applications include structural strengthening of structures such as parking garages, buildings, bridges, etc. which have experience some form of structural deficiency, many due to corrosion.

Emergence of new resin chemistries is allowing these technologies to find new types of applications, such as reinforcement of piles submerged underwater, where corrosion of steel rebar is the major cause of damage.

Research by Suh, et al.1 investigated a prepreg (water activated resin) technology as well as an existing epoxy technology in understanding effectiveness of FRP wraps in corrosion reduction in submerged piles.

This study included laboratory testing as well as two field tests.

The authors also studied short term and long term bond strengths when these products were applied on two bridge piles.

Finally, eccentric testing on submerged and dry columns was performed.

The results show that both systems slow down the corrosion rate, irrespective of whether carbon or glass is used.