Developments in the durability of FRP-concrete bond

Externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRP) are widely used for the repair and strengthening of concrete structures. Since loads are transferred to FRP through its bond with the concrete substrate, its integrity in aggressive outdoor environments is critically important. This paper provides an overview of recent developments: it reviews findings from exposure studies, reports on advances in deterioration modeling, identifies non-destructive methods suitable for field evaluation, and addresses emerging developments in design, specifications and product approval. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is the most widely used material in infrastructure applications and therefore its durability is the primary focus of the paper. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.