Thermal Compatibility and Bond Strength of FRP Reinforcement in Prestressed Concrete Applications

Abstract

Due to concerns with corrosion, the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) as a replacement to conventional steel reinforcement has greatly increased over the last decade. However, when considering thermal gradients, many researchers have identified differential swelling between FRP reinforcement and concrete. This can lead to the development of splitting tensile stresses within the concrete cover surrounding the reinforcing bar and deterioration of the bond between the materials. A total of ten beams were therefore tested in flexure to investigate bond strength deterioration arising from thermal cycles ranging between