Bridges

In this paper, two methods of FRP applications were carried out to study the fatigue life performance of CFRP laminates bonded to RC concrete block, by mean of investigating the influence of bond behavior application under cyclic loadings.

Bridges are most common structures affected by fatigue damage during their lifetime. This caused by heavy trucks that across the bridge everyday with different loads. In spite of many bridges have already being strengthened and upgraded with FRP material, bond behavior application needs to be fully assessed when subjected to fatigue loading.

The way of applying the FRP material onto the concrete surface is very important on the effectiveness of the bond application, where this can generate composite action due to stress development between the bonding joint of FRP laminate and concrete surface. This paper provides further understanding on the influence of bond application behavior when inappropriately and appropriately installed.

The two methods used in this study included apply the epoxy material by traditional way of hands and compared with developed technique of steel template. The result showed that hand method of FRP application had a significant effect on obtaining premature failure with inconsistency failure load, while the steel template provided excellent bond application with expected failure load. Full details of the two FRP application techniques and comparison of their results are demonstrated in this paper.

A summary outcome of the mode of failure for each application are also presented.