Experimental Results of Accelerated Long-term Durability Performance of E-glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials

Department

Civil Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Athens Journal of Technology and Engineering

Volume

5

Issue

2

DOI

10.30958/ajte.5-2-2

First Page

111

Last Page

132

Publication Date

Spring 1-1-2018

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have already been used in many infrastructure applications, including seismic rehabilitation, retrofitting, and repair of structural systems (for example, strengthening of concrete beams, slabs, and columns). FRP composites are ideal for these applications compared to traditional materials because of their inherent customizability, multi-functionality (including characteristics related to survivability), durability, and high specific properties (high strength-to- weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios). However, these applications require materials to perform adequately over long periods of time in harsh environments, such as exposure to moisture and high temperatures. Therefore, it is important for engineers responsible for the design and maintenance of these systems to understand the long- term durability of the materials to these environmental stimuli.This paper presents results of experimental tests that can be used to estimate the service life of an FRP composite system. The results can be used to augment the current body of knowledge of observed material behavior and degradation mechanisms to create a practical method for estimating the service life of FRP composites. The results include the effects of transport phenomena (heat and moisture), degradation mechanisms (hygro- thermal and material post-cure) using hygro-thermal degradation of E-glass/epoxy composites in accelerated tests under controlled temperatures and relative humidities. These results can also be used to calibrate predictive semi-empirical modes for degradation mechanisms for predicting the long-term service life of FRP composite materials used in civil infrastructure.

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