Freeze–thaw degradation of FRP–concrete interface: Impact on cohesive fracture response

Abstract Results from an experimental investigation into the influence of freeze–thaw action on the FRP–concrete interface fracture properties are presented. The FRP–concrete bond behavior is investigated using a direct shear test. The cohesive stress transfer between FRP and concrete during debonding is determined from spatially continuous measurements of surface strains obtained at different stages of the debonding load response. The non-linear material law for the interface shear fracture, which provides a relation between the interface shear stress as a function of relative slip between the FRP and concrete, is established for specimens subjected to different levels of damage associated with freezing and thawing action. The influence of freeze–thaw action on the cohesive stress transfer during crack propagation, and on the cohesive interface fracture parameters is evaluated using a statistical hypothesis testing method. A larger percentage decrease in the interface fracture energy due to freeze–thaw cycles compared to the corresponding decrease in the ultimate nominal stress at debonding was noted. A decrease in the length of the cohesive stress transfer zone and the maximum interface cohesive stress were also observed with freeze–thaw cycling.