SPRAYED-FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION

This paper reports on a pilot study to evaluate the use of sprayed-fiber-reinforced polymer (SFRP) composite materials in structural rehabilitation. The procedure, quality and mechanical properties of SFRP composite materials were investigated. The test program involved standard concrete flexural specimens tested under third-point loading conditions. Results showed that SFRP enhances the load-carrying, toughness and displacement capacity of plain concrete beams in flexure. The presence of chopped fibers did not have a significant effect on the load capacity of the specimens, but did enhance the deformation capacity of the beams. SFRP was also found to have an apparent reduced in-place strength compared to tensile coupon tests. Other results showed that SFRP is well suited for direct application to moderately deteriorated concrete surfaces and that it provides good mechanical bond to concrete surfaces. The skill of the person applying the SFRP, epoxy temperature, application orientation and type of fiber were observed to affect the quality of the SFRP product.