AGEING MODELS AND ACCELERATED AGEING TESTS OF GLASS FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) is used for 40 years to create world’s most stunning and complex architectural elements due to its high mechanical properties, particularly flexural strength. Yet it is very important to note that any type of glass fibers in the concrete matrix are undergoing complex ageing processes, resulting to significant decrease of initial mechanical characteristics of this composite material under natural weathering conditions. Aspects of GRC durability are mainly dependent from the properties of fibers and interaction between them and concrete matrix. In this article, long term strength retention of this composite material is discussed, existing experimental data of weathering tests presented, and main corrosion mechanisms explained. Lack of knowledge about freeze- thaw resistance of glass fiber reinforced concrete is addressed. Finally, latest attempts of GRC durability improvement are reviewed, such as adding micro fillers, polymers to the concrete matrix and enhancing surface of fibers in Nano scale.