ABSTRACT

In recent years, fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly used for civil engineering applications such as columns, beams, and slabs to all-composite bridge decks. However, the durability of FRP, especially under harsh environmental conditions, is now recognized as the most critical topic of research. The lack of a comprehensive database on durability of FRP materials makes it difficult for the practicing civil engineer and designer to use FRP composites on a routine basis. The current paper presents the most significant research work conducted and published on durability performance of FRPs, as internal reinforcement, in the concrete members. Its durability has been extensively investigated in the last two decades. A comprehensive review of the literature, including degradation mechanisms, accelerated tests for long-term performance, and the effects of environment parameters on the durability of FRPs will be presented and discussed. In addition, a review of various theories for modeling durability and predicting service life of GFRP reinforcement is presented.