Accelerated Hygrothermal Aging of Bond in FRP–Masonry Systems

Abstract

This paper addresses the results of accelerated hygrothermal (coupled temperature and moisture) tests on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened clay bricks, aimed at investigating bond degradation mechanisms. The exposures are selected to simulate different environmental conditions and the bond degradation is periodically investigated by visual inspection and by conventional single-lap shear bond tests. The changes in the properties of material constituents were also monitored; the results are presented and critically discussed. A decay model is adopted for simulating the observed degradation in the specimens. The model, once validated, is used for long-term performance prediction of FRP–masonry systems and the results are compared with the environmental reduction factors proposed by available design guidelines.