Preliminary results on natural aging of GFRP-reinforced masonry components exposed to outdoor environmental conditions

Rafael Ramirez*, Bahman Ghiassi, Daniel V. Oliveira, Paulo B. Lourenço

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) have been widely used for strengthening and repair of masonry structures since the 1990s. Although the short-term performance of such systems has been extensively studied, their durability and long-term behavior are still scarcely known. Therefore, a better understanding of the corresponding degradation mechanisms and durability issues is of major interest, especially in cases of externally bonded systems where the materials are prone to undergo a more severe decay. Different accelerated aging tests have been developed in order to simulate weathering conditions in a shorter time: water immersion, freeze-thaw, hygrothermal cycles, salt crystallization, UV radiation, etc. Nonetheless, accelerated aging data cannot be used to make reliable service life estimations without a clear correlation with real environmental processes. In this study, we present the preliminary results (3/12 years) of a real exposure experimental campaign devoted to analyzing the natural aging of masonry components reinforced with externally bonded glass fibers (GFRP). The aging conditions consist of: (a) direct outdoor exposure, i.e. outdoor hygrothermal variation + sun and rain; (b) indirect outdoor exposure, i.e. outdoor hygrothermal variation + sheltered from sun and rain; (c) laboratory conditions as control group. The specimens consist of solid extruded fired-clay bricks strengthened with unidirectional GFRP sheets following the wet lay-up procedure. The aging effects on bond performance are studied by means of single-lap shear tests. Finally, the effect of brick surface treatment and the application of an external render on bond durability is investigated.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMechanics of Masonry Structures Strengthened with Composite Materials IV - Selected peer-reviewed full text papers from the 7th International Conference on Mechanics of Masonry Structures Strengthened With Composite Materials, MuRiCo 7 2021
EditorsGiovanni Castellazzi, Cristina Gentilini, Angelo Di Tommaso
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Ltd
Pages11-18
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9783036410494
ISBN (Print)9783036400495
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Apr 2022
Event7th International Conference on Mechanics of Masonry Structures Strengthened With Composite Materials, MuRiCo 7 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 24 Nov 202126 Nov 2021

Publication series

NameKey Engineering Materials
Volume916 KEM
ISSN (Print)1013-9826
ISSN (Electronic)1662-9795

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Mechanics of Masonry Structures Strengthened With Composite Materials, MuRiCo 7 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period24/11/2126/11/21

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was financed by national funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology, under grant agreement SFRH/BD/117114/2016 attributed to the first author.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.

Keywords

  • Bond degradation
  • Durability
  • GFRP-reinforced masonry
  • Natural aging
  • Single-lap shear test

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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