Durability Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Steel Reinforced Polymer for Infrastructure Application

Crack development in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is common in elements such as bridge decks. However, these cracks can impose significant problems over time, because they allow chlorides from deicing chemicals to infiltrate concrete which will then corrode steel bars as RC structures are exposed to harsh weather. In the last decade, composite reinforcement systems are internally or externally applied to concrete structures instead of traditional steel reinforcing bars, or to strengthen concrete elements in flexure and shear. However, studies regarding the long-term durability performance of composite reinforcement systems is limited. Therefore, in order to popularize the application of these systems, it is necessary to study the long-term properties and behaviors of concrete members reinforced with composite materials.;This study includes three topics: 1. Long-term durability of concrete panels reinforced with steel and glass reinforced polymer (GFRP). The main objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of GFRP bars extracted from concrete panels after seven plus years of field exposure and examine any microscopic damage to the GFRP fiber and/or matrix resin; 2. Durability of concrete elements reinforced with Steel Reinforced Polymer (SRP). The key purpose of this study is to assess the bond behavior of SRP-to-concrete systems and provide durability study of SRP strengthening systems to supplement ACI 440; 3. Assessment of existing FRP bridge structures exposed to field conditioning. This study focuses on investigating the physical inspection for the existing FRP bridges in Rolla, MO and to characterize GFRP bars extracted from Southview Bridge (MO), Walker Bridge (MO), and Sierrita de la Cruz Bridge (TX) and surrounding concrete after several years of service.