Performance of Postcured CFRP–Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams at Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

The bond performance of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) at elevated temperature depends upon the glass transition temperature of the matrix material. Included herein is an overview of the results of an experimental program in which postcuring of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened reinforced concrete beams was evaluated to observe changes in performance at elevated temperatures. Fourteen beams were tested in four-point bending. The testing schemes included 1 unstrengthened control beam, 2 room-temperature strengthened beams, and 11 high-temperature tests. The results of this experimental program have demonstrated that postcuring an FRP system can be an effective means of increasing the performance of FRP-strengthened beams when subjected to elevated temperatures, even those well in excess of the glass transition temperature of the FRP.