Bond behavior of carbon laminate strips into concrete by pullout-bending tests

Abstract

During the last years it has been investigated a reinforcing technique based on introducing carbon laminate (CFRP) strips into saw cuts made on the concrete cover of the element to be strengthened. The CFRP is fixed to concrete element using epoxy adhesive. Comparatively to the techniques that glue the CFRP to the external surfaces of the concrete element, the one proposed in the present work has the advantages of mobilize high percentage of the tensile strength of this composite, prevent the peeling phenomenon and add an extra protection against fire and vandalism acts. To characterize the bond behavior of the CFRP strips to concrete, pullout-bending tests were carried out. The influence of the concrete strength and the embedment length was analyzed in the experimental campaign. In the present work the tests performed are described and the results obtained are presented and discussed.