Utilizing Underwater FRP System for Hydraulic Structures Application

Abstract

Abstract The development of the use of advance composites is remarkable, especially in applications that require the materials used to be corrosion resistant. One of the most important of these applications is the structures built inside or under water, especially hydraulic structures. Constant exposure to wet makes materials such as concrete and steel threatened to the high level of corrosion and deterioration. The traditional methods for repairing proved insufficient over time, in addition to being expensive in some cases. Therefore, it became necessary to search for alternatives that achieve engineering efficiency and lower costs. One of these alternatives is the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) system. Until recent years, it was not possible to use FRP system under water as a repair system for hydraulic structures without cofferdam. However, during this period, types of underwater cured resins were produced and underwater FRP system is the best choice for this type of structures. There are no many practical applications for the use of FRP in repairing of hydraulic structures, so it is possible to study its application in marine structure to show the possibility of use it in hydraulic structure. This research highlight the advantages and disadvantages of traditional method in repairing underwater structures. Also present project that considered the underwater FRP as a construction material used in the rehabilitation of deteriorated concrete pile. As a conclusion, using fibers with water activated resin can provide an economical solution for future repair and rehabilitation projects. Also the pre-preg system is efficient for repairing dry zones, while the wet layup system is very effective in repairing splash zones of damaged structural elements.