Behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) and FRP bond under freeze-thaw cycles and sustained load

ABSTRACT: The structures repaired or retrofitted with FRP have shown enhanced load capacity and improved response to simulated earthquake loads in numerous short-term tests. However only a limited number of long-term studies have been reported on their durability. This paper addresses this issue with the emphasis on the FRP reinforcement and FRP bond performance subjected to extreme winter condition under sustained load. Results showed that the severe exposure did not have significant effects on the ultimate strength of FRP and FRP bonds. Also Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the quality of bond between fibres and the matrix is crucial to the durability of FRP against environmental deteriorations