ABSTRACT
Plate bonding (method 4.3 in EN 1504-9 (2008)) is a good alternative when it comes to strengthen concrete structures. Traditionally this has been done with epoxy bonded steel plates. This method requires heavy lifting and extensive mounting equipment due to the dead weight of steel. Another drawback when using steel is the corrosive properties which may reduce the life span of the strengthening system. During the last two decades a lot of research and development efforts have been made to develop strengthening systems utilizing fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). These FRPs are typically made of glass (G), aramid (A) and, most commonly in structural strengthening, carbon fibers (C). These fibers have a high strength/stiffness to weight ratio and are easy to apply.
