The main objective of this research project is to study the influence of surface covering (barrier) on the durability of the new generation of V-ROD bars made of GFRP (produced by Pulltrall Inc), which has just been available in the market of composites for civil engineering applications. Previous research showed that the role of barrier is very important for durability and long-term performance of FRP bars. For this new generation of GFRP bars, different numbers (double barriers and simple barrier) and types (barriers type made with a special resin) of barriers are used in order to protect the bars against the diffusion of the surrounding chemical environments. Those GFRP bars are different from traditional ones in term of manufacturing process and mechanical properties. The durability tests consist of studying the degradation of the properties of the bars during their service life and to predict their life-span. The GFRP bars have a high resistance/weight ratio and corrosion resistant. However, they are likely subjected to degradation in certain environments and alkaline attack. Then, it is necessary to quantify the rate of degradation of the GFRP bars and identify the degradation mechanism since GFRP reinforcement is expected to last for several decades. It is impracticable to expose these bars to real service conditions. In order to carry out the objectives mentioned above, the best solution is to expose these bars to aggressive and accelerated ageing conditions for a short period. The bars will be exposed to various conditionings in particular with an alkaline solution and with water; the temperature will be varied to accelerate ageing (ambient temperature, 40 and 60 °C). After the end of each period of accelerated ageing, the bars will be subjected to mechanical tests, in particular, tensile, shear and flexure tests. These tests would reflect what the bars are expected to survive during their service lives.
Literature review of existing FRPG bar products;
Conditioning and testing the bars intended for the pre-election tests.
September 2004 : Beginning of the durability tests on the bars chosen after the pre-selection tests.
April 2006 : The end of the research program and of experimental work.
Poster presentation at the 7th Annual ISIS Canada Conference, Halifax NS, 28-30 April 2004.