Long term studies on FRP strengthened concrete specimens

This paper presents the results of long term studies on fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened concrete cylinders and reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The specimens strengthened with one and two layers of carbon or glass fibers are tested for long term performance under natural seasonal environmental conditions. The results of compression test on cylinders and flexural test on RC beam exposed for duration of zero (unexposed), one and two years have been reported. From the results it is observed that the ultimate load carrying capacity of the RC specimens strengthened with CFRP are more when compared with GFRP strengthened specimens exposed to a period of one and two years. This study recommends that the strengthening with CFRP will serve better in long term performance when compared with GFRP.