Experimental investigation of FRCM-concrete interfacial debonding

This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted to understand the stress-transfer mechanism of fiber reinforced concrete matrix (FRCM) composites externally bonded to a concrete substrate for strengthening applications. The FRCM composite was comprised of a polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber net and polymer-modified cement-based mortar. Direct shear tests were conducted on specimens with composite strips bonded to concrete blocks. Parameters varied were composite bonded length and bonded width. Results were analyzed to understand the effective bonded length, which can be used to establish the load-carrying capacity of the interface to design the strengthening system. The normalized load carrying-capacity was plotted against the width of the composite strip to study the width effect. Finally, strain gage measurements along the bonded length were used to investigate the stress-transfer mechanism.