ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Strengthening of concrete structures with epoxy bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) has been proved to be a good strengthening technique. However, this strengthening technique with epoxy adhesives do contain some disadvantages such as diffusion closeness, thermal incompatibility to the base concrete, working environment and minimum application temperature. Some of these drawbacks can be overcome by substituting the epoxy to a polymer reinforced mortar as the bonding agent. This work presents a pilot study with CFRP strengthened concrete beams. In this case the epoxy bonded CFRP has been replaced with a mineral based composite (MBC). The results from the pilot study indicates that the MBC strengthening system do achieve very good composite action and strengthening effects. These results warrant for further research and improvement of the MBC strengthening system.
