Interface mechanical properties of CFRP-seawater sea sand concrete under simulated seawater immersion

In this study, the interfacial mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet reinforced seawater sea sand concrete (SSSC) in simulated seawater immersion environment were studied. The results present that the interface bearing capacity of CFRP-SSSC decreases significantly after seawater immersion. The decreasing rate increases greatly with the extending of immersion periods. Seawater immersion also affects the failure mode of interface between CFRP and SSSC, which leads to the damaged surface expanding from the base layer of concrete to the junction section of resin and aggregate. The distribution of strain and stress along the bonding direction presents the load transfer from the loading end to the free end. The shear stress peak locates near the loading end and decreased about 15-20 % due to seawater immersion as a result of the deterioration of the interfacial property. The analysis on the microstructure of CFRP-SSSC interface proves that the chemical ions in seawater causes the hydrolyzation of epoxy resin adhesive layer. The CFRP-SSSC interface presents a lower interfacial bonding properties than CFRP reinforced normal concrete (NC). The improvement of strength grade of concrete from C30 to C50 increases the bonding properties of the CFRP about 9-12 % and mitigates the influence of seawater immersion. The obtained bond-slip curve indicates that the seawater immersion decreases the interface ductility. A modified Popovics model is applied to predict the bond-slip curve and presents a high fitting degree.