Effect of Harsh Conditions on the Tensile Behaviour of Lap-Spliced Carbon Fiber Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM) with Different Surface Treatment Methods

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of harsh conditions on the tensile behavior of lap-spliced carbon fiber textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) with different surface treatment methods was investigated through the direct tensile test. The TRM coupons were exposed to three different harsh conditions: a chloride environment of 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride, a high temperature and humidity environment (50 °C and 95% relative humidity), and sustained load of 30% of the tensile strength during 60 days. In addition, two different surface treatment methods of the lap-spliced region of TRM coupons were used: carbon fiber textile impregnated by epoxy resin, and carbon fiber textile covered with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) powder after epoxy resin impregnation. The tensile characteristics of TRM coupons were investigated in terms of the cracking strength, ultimate strength, initial stiffness, and ultimate strain, to evaluate the influence of different surface treatment methods on the tensile behaviors of TRM coupons after exposure to various types of harsh conditions. Additionally, the test results were compared to the previous test results of TRM coupons that were not subjected to harsh conditions.