Degradation of the EBR-CFRP strengthening system applied to reinforced concrete beams exposed to weathering

Abstract Little is known about the behavior and durability of strengthening systems applied on concrete substrata possible loss performance due to degradation intervening materials by structure’s natural aging process exposure externally strengthened elements aggressive environments. In this context, present work presents an experimental analysis reinforced beams with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), according Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) technique, maintained in a laboratory environment (indoor protected) or exposed weathering (outdoor exposure). addition, specimens intervenient were also molded same environmental conditions as beams. The results indicate that weather-exposed epoxy adhesives reductions up 70% their mechanical properties after exposure, while CFRP composite remain similar. It was found system provided 50% 28% increments load-carrying capacity stiffness elements, respectively. However, tests conducted 6 months showed 10% reduction elements.