Long-Term Bonding and Tensile Strengths of Carbon Textile Reinforced Mortar

Abstract

This paper deals with the long-term bonding and tensile strengths of textile reinforced mortar (TRM) exposed to harsh environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term bonding and tensile strengths of carbon TRM by an accelerated aging method. Moisture, high temperature, and freezing–thaw cycles were considered to simulate harsh environmental conditions. Grid-type textiles were surface coated to improve the bond strength with the mortar matrix. A total of 130 TRM specimens for the bonding test were fabricated and conditioned for a prolonged time up to 180 days at varying moisture conditions and temperatures. The long-term bonding strength of TRM was evaluated by a series of bonding tests. On the other hand, a total of 96 TRM specimens were fabricated and conditioned at freezing–thaw conditions and elevated temperature. The long-term tensile strength of TRM was evaluated by a series of direct tensile tests. The results of the bonding test indicated that TRM was significantly degraded by moisture. On the other hand, the influence of the freezing–thaw conditions and high temperature on the tensile strength of the TRM was insignificant.

Keywords

• bonding test
• carbon textile
• direct tensile test
• durability
• textile reinforced mortar (TRM)