Title: Chemicoelectrical Response of Concrete Bonded with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets in a Corrosive Environment

Author(s): Yail J. Kim and Ibrahim Bumadian

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 114

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 549-558

Keywords: carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP); characterization, chemicoelectic response; chlorides; diffusivity

DOI: 10.14359/51689713

Date: 7/1/2017

Abstract:
This paper presents an experimental study characterizing the chemicoelectric response of concrete bonded with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets in a corrosive environment. A rapid chloride permeability test is conducted with concrete specimens having variable CFRP coverage ratios from 0% (uncovered) to 100% (fully covered) according to ASTM C1202. Test results substantiate that CFRP sheets are an effective medium impeding the ingress of chlorides into CFRP-strengthened concrete structures, thereby alleviating the likelihood of corrosion damage. CFRP-bonding causes a decrease in electric current and chloride diffusivity. Microscopic images showing residual sodium chloride crystals accumulated on the surface of the tested specimens corroborate the decreasing rate of the electric current. The resistivity of the concrete and the transport rate of chlorides are controlled by the CFRP coverage ratio influencing an electrolytic process. Due to the distribution of electric charges, the conduction of the CFRP-bonded concrete alters from non-steady state to steady state with time due to the distribution of electric charges. An analytical expression is proposed for modeling chloride diffusion in the vicinity of CFRP-bonded regions.