Title: CFRP strengthening of concrete beams – testing in sub-zero temperature

Authors: Bjorn Taljsten, Anders Carolin

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Brovej Building 118, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, SE-97187 Lulea, Sweden. ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, SE-97187 Lulea, Sweden

Abstract: Strengthening structures with epoxy bonded Carbon Fibre- Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plates and sheets are today a well-known and over the world common used method to improve a structure performance. The composite materials used for strengthening are very light and easy to handle, have good durability and do not normally need to be maintained over time. However, disadvantages might be mechanical damage and long term properties. There is also a question regarding the behaviour of CFRP strengthen structures in cold climates, for example will the structure become more brittle during the winter compared to the summer period? In this paper the last issue will be addressed. CFRP strengthen concrete beams have been tested in sub-zero temperature and loaded up to failure. The cold climate tests are then compared with similar beams tested in room climate. From the tests no significant difference between the beams tested in sub-zero and room temperatures could be found.

Keywords: CFRP; cold temperatures; concrete; near surface mounted reinforcement; NSMR; plates; strengthening; FRP composites; fibre reinforced polymers; carbon fibre reinforced polymers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2007.011508

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2007 Vol.28 No.1/2, pp.29 - 45

Published online: 01 Dec 2006 *

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