Experimental research on strengthening of concrete beams by the use of epoxy adhesive and cement-based bonding material

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), as externally bonded reinforcement, is a very beneficial technique to repair and strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) members. This technique is used in a number of applications to increase the shear capacity of structural beams.

This feature is achieved by applying e.g. basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) that is glued to the RC concrete member with anadhesive. The most common adhesive used for strengthening is epoxy.

There are some limitations with the use of epoxy adhesives, including poor fire resistance. Therefore, other adhesive was used to strengthen concrete beams in flexure. Cement-based bonding material would be beneficial to produce strengthening system that is fire resistant, also it significantly lower the cost of retrofitting on existing structures.

Sólrún Lovísa Sveinsdóttir, Thesis (60 ECTS) in Civil Engineering with Specialization in Structural Design and Concrete Technology submitted to the School of Science and Engineering at Reykjavík University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.