Researcher(s)
- Siddhartha Thapa, Civil Engineering, University of Delaware
- Brianna Riggi, Civil Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jovan Tatar, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware
- Muhammad Ishfaq, Civil and Environmental engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
The use of externally bonded carbon fiber reinforcement polymer (CFRP) reinforcements has been popular in strengthening existing reinforced concrete structures; however, their full strength has not been exploited due to premature debonding. In order to counter the debonding of CFRP sheets, composite fiber anchors have been commonly employed. Durability of fiber anchors is critical; however, their performance under different environmental conditions have not been fully investigated. In this research, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tensile strength of these composite fiber anchors have been investigated. The anchors are made from different types of carbon fiber based on their sizing/coating properties and epoxy. Samples are prepared using the hand-layup process for ILSS tests and flexural tensile tests. The samples are exposed to different environmental conditions, such as hygrothermal conditions, salt solutions, alkali solutions, and freeze and thaw cycles of 500 hours (20 days), and during the time of exposure of the samples, moisture absorption were determined at regular intervals of time. The ILSS and tensile strength of the anchors will be determined by using a three-point bending test using Instron machine and the guidance set by ASTM D4475 and ASTM D4476. The study is still being done, and the result will be reported in a poster and report.