Oxygen Diffusion Characterization of Fiber Reinforced Polymers

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Oxygen Diffusion Characterization of Fiber Reinforced Polymers Investigator: Rajan Sen sen@eng.usf.edu (Principal Investigator) Venkat R. Bhethanabotla (Co-Principal Investigator)Externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are widely used for the repair and rehabilitation of concrete structures. As the FRP material is bonded to the concrete surface, it automatically acts as a barrier to deleterious materials that can cause reinforcing steel to corrode. This study will undertake experimental and theoretical investigations to characterize FRP micro-structure relating to oxygen ingress, a parameter that is critically important for sustaining electrochemical corrosion of steel.The objectives of this research are to: (1) conduct diffusion tests to establish the role of fiber architecture in preventing oxygen ingress; (2) conduct limited corroborative diffusion tests on concrete specimens; (3) conduct a detailed investigation of the fiber-matrix interface and (4) develop appropriate numerical models to extend the findings from the experimental studies. Results are expected to provide information on fiber architecture that is most effective for repairing corrosion-damaged concrete structures.