Issues related to composite plating and environmental exposure effects on composite-concrete interface in external strengthening

The effect of short-term environmental exposure on the response of in situ formed externally composite strengthened concrete is investigated. Measured response from static loading is described in terms of environmental degradation of composite and composite-concrete interface. Results indicate that degradation occurs primarily at the level of the resin in contact with the concrete, and that due care should be taken of changes in composite stiffness due to moisture exposure and consequent resin plasticization, as well as due to stiffness increases under cold conditions. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.