Properties and water penetration of structural concrete wrapped with CFRP
Mugahed Amran, Rayed Alyousef, Hisham Alabduljabbar, Abdulaziz Alaskar, Fahed Alrshoudi
Abstract
Given the insufficient knowledge on the influence of CFRP strength and water penetration, many building structures are highly vulnerable to recurrent deterioration after repair works. This study was planned to examine the hardened properties and water penetration of concrete wrapped with CFRP, particularly water permeability and water permeability coefficient. A total of 42 cubes with different concrete grades were prepared, casted, cured, wrapped with several CFRP layers, and tested. The concrete compressive strength was improved with upsurge the use of amount of CFRP layers. However, the increment percentage was not remarkable from layer to layer. The concrete with low water permeability reduced the deterioration effects that relate with water permeability, such as corrosion. A comparison exhibited that the permeability coefficient of the water of the wrapped concrete was several times larger than the equivalent permeability coefficient of the water of the control of identical concrete compressive strength. The penetration of wrapped concrete was substantially reduced with the increment within the numbers of CFRP layers. These findings prove that CFRP layers and epoxy play a substantial role as moisture barriers, potentially decreasing steel corrosion and concrete worsening. Therefore, the retrofitting works can ensure the increased sustainability, cost efficiency, and prolonged lifespan of building structures.