ABSTRACT
Composite materials, as FRP, for strengthening existing structures are characterized by high strength and stiffness, low density, and versatility of application (da Porto et al. 2012).
FRP consist of fibres (mostly carbon and glass, but also aramid, basalt, and others) coupled to organic matrices (mostly epoxy) that bind fibres together and transfer stresses between fibres and substrate. On the other hand, these materials present some shortcomings like an overall linear elastic behaviour until failure, a low shear resistance (perpendicularly to the fibres), vulnerability to high temperatures, absence of vapour permeability and relatively high costs (Stievanin 2012).
