ABSTRACT
In a second set of experiments, CFS strengthened concrete blocs were exposed to saturated humidity at 40°C, and bond characterizations were carried-out by both pull-off and shear tests. It was found that:
− after 3 months ageing, there was no significant evolution of the maximum shear load or pull-off strength,
− however, an evolution of the failure mode was observed on the shear tested specimens, from a
1 INTRODUCTION
Composite materials are commonly used worldwide for the strengthening of civil structures. In Japan, FRP strengthening methods have been intensively used for the seismic retrofit of bridge columns after Kobe earthquake. In France, such methods are mainly applied to the rehabilitation or upgrading of damaged structures. Nevertheless, the durability of the adhesive bond at the concrete/composite interface is still a matter of investigation.
