NDT for damage detection in FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete elements
Conference
Mehrabi, AB, Dolati, SSK, Malla, P et al. (2024). NDT for damage detection in FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete elements
. 3740-3747. 10.1201/9781003483755-441
Mehrabi, AB, Dolati, SSK, Malla, P et al. (2024). NDT for damage detection in FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete elements
. 3740-3747. 10.1201/9781003483755-441
The application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in concrete structures has been rising due to their several advantages, including lightweight, high tensile strength, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. They have been mostly implemented for strengthening and repairing existing structures in the form of an externally bonded system, i.e., sheet, jacket, near surface mounted. Furthermore, they have been recently utilized as internal reinforcement of concrete elements in the form of strands, bars, tendons, etc. Although higher durability and performance are associated with the FRP material compared to steel, concerns remain regarding potential damages and defects in this material, many of which are related to their unique features. Importantly, debonding of FRP materials from concrete is a potential issue resulting deterioration of the structural performance. Therefore, as for any other type of material or elements, concrete elements strengthened or reinforced with FRP materials have to be also inspected periodically. This study first determines all possible or potential damages and anomalies attributed to FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC) elements. It then investigates Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods that can be applicable to the inspection of FRP-RSC elements from a literature survey of past studies, applications, and research pro-jects. Finally, it proposes the most promising methods for detecting FRP and their damage/defects in FRP-RSC elements. By providing the inspection community with more clarity in the application of NDT to FRP, the results of this study offer means for verifying the performance and, therefore, help the proliferation of FRP materials in concrete structures.
