Integration of imaging and mechanics of FRP/structural materials couples for structural rehabilitation and design

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Objectives: The main objective of the proposed research is to develop new gripping techniques for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) plates to enhance their integration into structures by preventing slippage and debonding for structural repair, rehabilitation and design applications. Scientific approach: An innovative research program will be conducted that involves experimental testing, three dimensional (3D) imaging, and analytical modeling to characterize gripping and bonding mechanics of FRP materials. A comprehensive evaluation of the interfacial mechanics of the FRP contacting other conventional materials, such as concrete, wood and steel will be investigated. The overall performance of the FRP/structural material couples will be experimentally evaluated. A 3D imaging technique will used to provide detailed views of all internal components of materials at different loading levels. These details include geometrical information, surface asperities, and debris accumulation. In order to evaluate the stress distribution inside the FRP/structural materials couples, the 3D images will be integrated into mechanics through the development of image-based and "sample-specific" finite element models. The simulation methods will be based on the geometrical details of images to account for alteration of the dimensions and geometry that are normally ignored in the conventional modeling methods. The tribological study findings will be used for the development and optimization process of the gripping system which includes numerical and mathematical modeling, in addition to the experimental evaluation of the optimum system. Also, it considers the asperities and manufacturing surface details of the FRP components. Furthermore, it includes any substances on the surface such as the accumulation of debris between FRP and concrete, steel or wood. Therefore, three dimensional imaging of the components has the potential to provide the realistic geometrical, topological, and internal details of each component that are required to build the model in the same way it has been used in the medical field. Novelty and significance: The development of a new gripping system for FRP plates will have a significant contribution to the expansion of FRP materials structural applications. In addition, it will pave the way for enhancing the integration of FRP sheets into structures due to relative geometrical similarities between the plates and sheets. Furthermore, the integration of 3D images and mechanics is an emerging paradigm that has the potential to provide an insight to the performance of the engineering materials, and systems. It eliminates uncertainties associated with the geometric variations and surface deformation caused by the loading and/or manufacturing processes. The 3D imaging data will be used in creating 3D numerical modeling of the FRP/ structural materials interface. The technique will pave the way for the investigation of more challenging tasks associated with micro and macro structural variations of materials including fatigue cracking, corrosion, delamination of composite materials, and debonding of reinforced concrete. All these will contribute considerably in the understanding of mechanical performance of structural materials under different loading conditions, and consequently updating the different design criteria of concrete, steel, and wood structures with and without FRP materials. Furthermore, emerging 3D imagining technique using detailed computed tomography (CT) has the potential to address more mechanical problems encountered in the auto, and aerospace industries, in addition to different civil engineering applications.