Effect of material configuration on strengthening of concrete slabs by CFRP composites

While there have been a large number of studies related to strengthening of concrete beams, girders and slabs through the use of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, there has been very little emphasis on investigating the effect of material configuration (primarily related to the process used to fabricate the strips). This paper reports on the strength, failure mechanisms and ductility achieved through the use of pultrusion and wet layup fabricated strips, both adhesively bonded to the concrete substrate. Fourteen different tests are conducted on concrete slabs using a variety of configurations. Differences in mechanisms of failure are identified and comparisons are made of overall response. Initial results of materials efficiency are noted and results are compared to an analytical model with criteria based on fracture based criteria.