3-Point Bending Test to Measure Strength Reduction

Prepare Concrete Beam

Sand Blasting

Real Time Exposure

Durability Research of Reinforced Concrete Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers

March 26, 2007 - A durability research project sponsored by the National Cooperative Research Program is studying durability of structures strengthened with bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems that are subject to environmental degradation. Under the direction of UW Professors Charles Dolan, Jennifer Tanner, and David Mukai, along with graduate assistants Jiangang Deng, Kyle Eyre, and Cristy Guenther, the objectives of this research are to develop design guidelines and material selection criteria that consider the effects of mechanical and environmental loads on the durability of bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) repair and strengthening of concrete beams. Trey Hamilton and Elliot Douglas from the University of Florida are also collaborating on the project.

The research group prepared more than 500 concrete beam specimens, three types of bonded CFRP composite systems and exposed these specimens to harsh environments which include different elevated temperature water bath, real time exposure, wet/dry cyclic exposure, UV radiation exposure, and autoclaved hygrothermal exposure. The old child care center of UW was converted to the main lab for this project where the specimens were exposed to different elevated temperature water baths. The exposed specimens have been tested according to the scheduled exposure period and the test data will be analyzed to discover the relationship between bond strength degradation of CFRP composite systems and the exposure environments.

Results are anticipated by the end of 2007 and will be submitted to the National Academy of Sciences for review and to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for incorporation into national specifications.