Effect of ICCP on tensile performance of carbon fiber bundles in seawater sea-sand cementitious matrix

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP), carbon fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (CFRCM) composites, and piezoresistive effect have been widely studied in delaying steel bar corrosion, strengthening steel-reinforced concrete structures, and structural health monitoring, respectively. In this study, the effect mechanism of the ICCP procedure on the tensile performance degradation of CFRCM bundles with the two types of matrix (normal matrix (i.e., sand conforming to ISO standard) and seawater sea-sand matrix), as well as the tensile performance differences between them, were investigated through carbon fiber bundle tensile tests and CFRCM bundle tensile tests. The piezoresistive effects of CFRCM with the two types of matrix after the ICCP procedure and the effect of ICCP on the piezoresistive effect were analyzed. Prediction formulas for the tensile performance were established based on the different charge densities. Based on the dual functionality of carbon fiber strengthening and self-sensing, this study lays a foundation for the development of a triple-functional system of impressed current cathodic protection, structural strengthening, and structural health monitoring (ICCP-SS-SHM). The study indicates that seawater sea-sand positively influences the delay of CFRCM degradation through ICCP. This is advantageous in tackling the issue of scarce freshwater river sand resources. •Utilization of seawater sea-sand matrix.•Tensile performance degradation and prediction.•Development of ICCP-SS-SHM system regarding CFRCM material performance.