A simplified shear test for the adhesion of FRP composites to concrete

A considerable amount of concrete structures are currently or will soon be repaired or retrofitted with external reinforcement in the form of fiber reinforced plastic composites. It is important to characterize the bond and adhesion properties of FRP materials if they are externally applied to concrete, This paper presents an alternative simple shear test that can be used to determine the adhesion of FRP materials with concrete. The effects of environmental changes such as changes in temperature and humidity as well as the effects of other harsh conditions can easily be determined with this test. The adhesion of fiberglass composite laminates to concrete was tested with the proposed procedure, Two different materials for the matrix were used and the specimens were exposed to laboratory ambient conditions as well as high temperature, freezing/thawing, and cycles of saturation in sulfate solution.