Creep and shrinkage behaviour of CFRP-reinforced mortar

This paper deals with the reinforcement of mortar with external composite materials. The mortar specimens were strengthened with CFRP (Carbon Fibres Reinforced Polymer) plates on two or four faces. Creep tests were run for 7 or 28 days with applied stress level at 30% of ultimate stress. Experimental results show a clear improvement of short-term creep behaviour for the reinforced mortar. There is no evidence of shrinkage reduction due to the reinforcement. Drying is modelled using a non linear diffusion equation and shrinkage is numerically calculated. In both cases, accurate predictions of experimental results were obtained.

The presence of composite plates reduces the strain’s creep of mortar specimens tested at the age of 7 days. The strains decreased by 67% for the mortar strengthened on the 4 side faces.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The presence of composite plates reduces drastically the mortar creep strains.
► The use of CFRP plates limits the propagation of cracks and reduces creep kinetics.
► There is no evidence of shrinkage reduction due to the reinforcement.
► Accurate predictions of experimental results are obtained by shrinkage modelling.