Evaluation of bond strength of epoxy-coated bars in concrete exposed to marine environment

摘要

The bond strength characteristics of epoxy-coated bars were assessed using a series of pull-out tests on epoxy-coated bars embedded, txially, in concrete cylinders and subjected to marine environment. The specimens were divided in three groups. The first group of specimens were immersed in tanks full of seawater and kept at room temperature while the second group of specimens were put in seawater tanks and kept in open air at variable temperature. The third group of samples were hung in seawater in the tidal zone to capture the actual behavior. Specimens were exposed to the marine environment for time durations of up to 18 months. The effect of marine exposure conditions and duration on the bond strength of epoxy-coated bars in concrete and on the difference in bond strength between epoxy-coated and uncoated bars in concrete were investigated and assessed.