Behavior of FRP bonded to steel under freeze thaw cycles

摘要

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) materials are increasingly being used for strengthening and repair of steel structures. An issue that concerns engineers in steel members which are retrofitted with FRP is stress experienced due to temperature changes. The changing temperature affects the interface bond between the FRP and Steel. This research focused on the effects of cyclical thermal loadings on the interface properties of FRP bounded to steel members. Over fifty tests were conducted to investigate the thermal effects on bonding between FRP and steel, which were cycled from temperature of -11°C (12°F) to 60°C (140°F) for 21-36 days. This investigation consisted of two test protocols, 1) the tensile test of epoxy resin, tack coat, FRP and FRP-steel plate, 2) tensile test of each FRP compound and FRP with steel after going through thermal cyclic loading. This investigation reveals an extensive reduction in the composite's strength.