The reinforcement of concrete structures with laminates of carbon fibers CFRP (Carbon Fibers Reinforced Polymer) began in the 1970’s. Laminates of CFRP are precast composite materials made of carbon (fibers) and epoxy (matrix) mixed altogether as a single material. Laminates are bonded to the concrete structure by means of epoxy resins. This technology has several advantages for reparation of structures. Laminates have a good mechanical performance. The manipulation is easy. The strength of the reinforcement depends directly on the proper behavior of the interface laminate-concrete. The safety factor of the reinforcement can be guaranteed if we can predict the behavior at the interface between both materials. In this work we present two experimental tests to characterize the behavior of the interface between the laminate and the concrete.

Peer Reviewed