FRP repair of corrosion-damaged concrete beams - Waterloo experience

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is one of the main durability problems facing reinforced concrete infrastructures worldwide. This paper gives an overview on a seven year research program conducted at the University of Waterloo, sponsored by ISIS (Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures) Canada, to examine the viability of using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as a repair and strengthening method for corroded reinforced concrete structures. The majority of the research was carried out in the laboratory utilizing large-scale members. The results revealed that FRP repair successfully confined the corrosion cracking and improved the structural performance of corroded beams. Analytical models were developed to validate the experimental data. The FRP repair system was implemented in Fall 2005 to address corrosion damage in a bridge in the Region of Waterloo.