Impact of Silica Sand on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites and Their Application in CFRP–Concrete Bonding

Abstract

Premature debonding between carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete is a critical issue in structural reinforcement applications, often leading to a significant reduction in the load-carrying capacity of the system. This failure mode is typically initiated by inadequate adhesion at the interface, compromising the effectiveness of CFRP in enhancing the structural performance of concrete elements. To address these issues, this study explores the impact of silica sand on the mechanical and adhesion properties of epoxy resin composites. Initially, this paper investigates the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites by varying the ratios of silica sand from 0% to 15% by volume. Subsequently, it examines the effectiveness of these composites as sealing materials to enhance the bond strength between CFRP and concrete. Incorporating a 10% silica content improves the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin, with the tensile strength increasing from 29.47 MPa to 35.52 MPa and an elastic modulus from 4.38 GPa to 5.83 GPa. Furthermore, silica sand enhances the adhesion strength between CFRP and concrete, as confirmed by the increase in the pull-out force from 14.21 kN to 18.79 kN. Silica particles improve surface roughness and interlocking, contributing to a better load distribution and stress transfer at the interface. Therefore, silica-filled epoxy resin is an efficient material for CFRP–concrete bonding applications.