Durability of RC slabs strengthened with prestressed CFRP laminate strips under different environmental and loading conditions

The results showed that the environmental conditions and the sustained loading, separately or combined, led in general to slight losses of performance and ductility. Although these losses were subtle, considering that the tests were carried out for 8 months, clear indications are given towards the importance of conducting similar tests for longer periods. The results obtained showed that the procedures implemented to assess the durability of the strengthening systems were sensitive to the most relevant deterioration mechanisms and their impact on the mechanical properties of the specimens. Therefore, these procedures may well contribute for the future establishment of standardized test programmes for the assessment of the durability of prestressed CFRP strengthening systems.