Masters Theses

Abstract

Steel reinforced polymer (SRP) composites are a strengthening material that consist of continuous high-strength steel cords embedded in a polymeric matrix. SRP has demonstrated a high potential for providing additional flexural and shear strength in existing concrete structures when bonded to the concrete surface. However, premature debonding from the concrete substrate at low load levels is a major shortcoming of SRP composites. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that anchors can limit the effect of debonding in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites by increasing the load capacity and ductility of the composite-concrete interface.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using spike-shaped fiber anchors for SRP composites. The composite used in this study consisted of high-density sheets of steel fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix externally bonded to a concrete prism. Furthermore, the spike-shaped anchorage system was implemented by inserting steel fibers into pre-drilled holes in the concrete prism. Eight specimens were tested in single-lap direct shear for this experimental program. This study investigated the effect the presence and location of spike-shaped anchors along the bonded composite length have on the bond behavior of SRP. Strain data were also collected for all specimens by means of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology. The results of the study demonstrated the unanchored specimens failed by composite debonding, while the anchored specimens failed by fiber rupture or debonding of the anchor fibers from the composite The results also showed that the presence of anchors increases the load capacity and ultimate global slip with respect to the unanchored specimens”--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Sneed, Lesley

Committee Member(s)

Chen, Genda
Yan, Guirong Grace

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Comments

The author thanks the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program for the opportunity to gain experience in laboratory testing to support this thesis work. This training was supported under NSF Electrical, Communication, and Cyber Systems (ECCS) Award 1609470, “A Multi-Physics-Based Approach to Active Microwave Thermography.”

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2021

Pagination

xiv, 109 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographic references (pages 106-108).

Rights

© 2021 Keenan Lorence McBurney, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11959

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