Implementation of Composite Wrapping Systems on Reinforced Concrete Structures Exposed to a Corrosive Laboratory Environment

The corrosion of reinforced concrete structures in marine environments is a severe problem causing gradual deterioration of today’s infrastructure. The use of composite laminates as protective barriers on the concrete surface has increased over the past years. In this study, material properties and installation procedures for two FRP systems are described. A test program for evaluating their perfromance in long-term corrosion protection is discussed. Specimens wrapped with these composites will be exposed to aggressive wetting cycles in a laboratory environment. Variables being studied include: specimen shape, effect of cast-in chlorides, flexural cracks, repair materials, corrosion inhibitor, length of wrap, resin selection and concrete surface condition.