Externally Bonded FRP for Service-Life Extension of RC Infrastructure

Although the concept of repairing and strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) structures using steel plate reinforcement has been established for more than 30 years, today there is an increasing trend toward the use of externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, such as glass FRP and carbon FRP. This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive survey of field applications of both steel plates and FRP composites as external reinforcement for the life extension of deteriorating RC flexural members. A literature review conducted to assess the need for infrastructure rehabilitation suggests that the problem with structurally deficient or obsolete structures is one of large magnitude needing immediate attention. Based on the collective findings from a survey of field applications, a review of literature on the state of the infrastructure and a database of laboratory studies, a list of research priorities is compiled for further studies investigating the use of FRP composites as external reinforcement for RC flexural members. Overall, it is concluded that future research on the application of FRP to RC members should focus on conditions that are more similar to what is observed in the field.