Effect of the Cyclic Crack Opening-Closure during Epoxy-Curing Period of a CFRP Strengthening System Bonded on Concrete Substrate

This article investigates the potential detrimental effects of cyclic load during installation externally bonded (EB) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) on a damaged reinforced concrete (RC) structure. Four RC specimens were tested in three point bending to study consequences crack opening-closure epoxy-curing period. A first specimen (without CFRP) was loaded monotonically up failure serve as undamaged control sample. The other pre-cracked before being subjected fatigue loading procedure simulate service condition Two strengthened by EB CFRP. One repaired test while one test. Finally, remaining capacities all measured through monotonic tests until failure. It found that, although bonding CFRP reinforcement can induce some interesting features with regard serviceability, opening and closing alters cure process epoxy located below initial decreases effectiveness strengthening at ultimate state. Extended experimental studies are then needed assess reliable safety factor for design repairing operations which bridge has be maintained installation.