| The use of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials for repairing and strengthening reinforced concrete structures has become a popular rehabilitative method during the past decade. These materials can provide confinement in columns, flexural strengthening in slabs and beams, and shear strengthening in beams. FRP repair systems for reinforced concrete structures have successfully been implemented on numerous bridges and other exterior structures, where fire does not pose a major threat. These materials have a huge potential for use in reinforced concrete buildings as design and repair systems. However, before these materials can be implemented widely, the potentially damaging effects of fire must be studied. Currently, there is very little information available on the mechanical and bond performance of FRPs during fire situations and after exposure to elevated temperatures. This thesis presents the results of a study conducted in an effort to elucidate the effects of elevated temperatures on the residual mechanical and bond properties of GFRP and CFRP from one commercially available system, and a CFRP from another available system.; A detailed literature review is presented that provides a summary of available information on the effects of elevated temperatures on FRPs, as well as the general behaviour of the FRP-concrete bond and various tests that can be utilized to study various bond aspects. The results of seven tests, which include, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile resin coupon tests, FRP tensile coupon tests, Mode II FRP-to-FRP single-lap coupon bond tests, Mode I FRP-to-concrete pull-off bond tests, and Mode II FRP-to-concrete pull-apart bond tests are presented. All the tests, with the exception of the TGA and DSC, were performed on specimens after they had been exposed to various thermal regimes.; The tests demonstrated that FRPs are sensitive to elevated temperatures. It was concluded that the Mode II FRP-to-concrete bond strength was the most critical test for verifying the adequacy of a strengthening system. Based on the data presented herein, FRP materials should be kept below temperatures of twice the glass transition temperature of the resin in order to retain adequate residual performance. Recommendations for further work in this area are presented. |
