Statistical Analysis of Debonding Load in Concrete Elements Externally Strengthened with CFRP Materials

Abstract

An overview of the main items about bond tests for concrete elements externally strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) materials is presented. Firstly, the effect of set-up on results of bond tests is analysed; then the experimental results of a wide database of bond tests collected by the Authors are compared with some literature provisions in order to point out the reliability of the examined strength models and evidence the role of the set-up. Furthermore, a general procedure for developing design strength models has been applied to determine the bond strength of FRP externally reinforced concrete elements. A bond strength model based on the fracture energy approach is proposed and statistical analyses have been developed in order to calibrate numerical factors. Thus, mean and characteristic provisions for the debonding load in concrete elements externally bonded with CFRP materials are furnished.