Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Exposed to Nuclear Power Plant Environment

Abstract

The effectiveness of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in structural upgrade has been demonstrated repeatedly in short-term laboratory tests and field applications. Consequently, the level of interest in exploring the potential applications of FRP in various types of structures and environments has increased. One of the potential areas of application of FRP is in nuclear power plants (NPP). However, there is very little research data available on the durability of FRP subject to an NPP environment. This paper reports the results from an experimental program aimed to address this knowledge gap. The study involved testing a total of 84 specimens consisting of FRP coupons, FRP-FRP single lap–bonded specimens, and FRP-bonded concrete prisms for their performance before and after exposure to gamma radiation. Both glass and carbon FRPs were included in this study. The specimens were tested for FRP tensile, FRP-to-FRP bond, and FRP-to-concrete bond properties. Results showed that the tensile and bond properties of FRP were not adversely affected in any significant manner as a result of the exposure.