Laser Profilometry for Concrete Substrate Characterization Prior to FRP Laminate Application

T he use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) for reinforcement of aging and deteriorating concrete members has emerged as a viable and costeffective alternative to traditional repair and strengthening techniques. Their use enables upgrading of deficient structures to meet today’s design standards (Crasto et al., 1996; Myers et al., 2000). The loadcarrying ability of structures such as beams and columns can be enhanced by externally attaching the FRP laminates to the concrete surface. FRP laminates have high tensile strength-to-weight ratios and high stiffness, and can be easily installed by a manual lay-up process. Because fibers and resins are noncorrosive, they are ideally suited for the repair and retrofitting of concrete bridges and parking structures where high concentrations of chlorides from de-icing salts are found. By Norbert H. Maerz, Antonio Nanni, John J. Myers, and Greg Galecki