Title: Strengthening of Concrete Structures with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer and Results from Nondestructive Evaluation

Author(s): J. Parzych and P. Mtenga

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 193

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 999-1026

Keywords: adhesives; beam; bond; concrete (reinforced); corrosion; deterioration; epoxy; repair; slab; strip; test

DOI: 10.14359/9972

Date: 8/1/2000

Abstract:
There is an ever increasing need to strengthen concrete structures due to deterioration, construction errors, environmental effects, occupancy changes, design flaws and other reasons related to the structure. Externally applied carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips and sheets can be used to strengthen these structures. This technique offers many advantages to conventional methods such as being cost effective, ease of handling and allowing minimal impact to the structure. This paper presents a case study of the strengthening of a critical research facility using CFRP. It was imperative that the repair and strengthening did not impact the ongoing research in the !faciIity in any way. Preliminary testing and structural considerations of the damaged and deteriorated portions of structure are presented. In addition, this paper presents the results of a comprehensive post-strengthening testing program performed on the repaired facility. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques such as full-scale load testing, vibration analysis, and infrared thermography used to evaluate the repair process are presented and shown to be proven methods of verifying the application of the CFRP.