Influence of Temperature on the Mechanical Performance of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Straps

The performance of pretensioned, laminated, unidirectional (UD), carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) straps, that can potentially be used for example as bridge deck suspender cables or prestressed shear reinforcements concrete slabs and beams, was investigated at elevated temperatures. This paper aims to elucidate the effects temperature specifically on tensile pin-loaded straps. Two types tests are presented: (1) steady state thermal (2) transient thermal. Eight steady-state target temperatures in range 24 °C 600 were chosen, based results from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA) thermogravimetric (TGA). Transient performed three sustained load levels, namely 10, 15, 20 kN, corresponding 25%, 37%, 50% ultimate strength straps ambient temperature. In general, able retain about their (UTS) 365 °C.