Collaborative Proposal: Micro-Macro Modeling of the External Strengthening of Concrete with Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Missouri University Of Science And Technology, Rolla MO

Investigators

Abstract

MICRO-MACRO MODELING OF THE EXTERNAL STRENGTHENING OF CONCRETE WITH FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER ABSTRACT The objective of the project is to develop innovative short-term tests that would allow the development of analytical models for accurate prediction of long-term performance of retrofitted highway bridge structures. Specifically, the interfacial bond between the concrete substrate and the FRP composite material used for external strengthening must remain durable for the specified lifetime over a range of mechanical loads, temperature cycles, moisture diffusion and de-icing salt ingress. The technical approach for developing a bond durability prediction methodology consists of understanding the fundamental mechanisms of degradation at the bond interphase using nano-scale fractograhic inspection and incorporating these in analytical models using global-local substructuring to bridge length-scales.