Bond Tests on Concrete Elements Strengthened with EBR and NSM FRP Systems

The paper deals with the results of an experimental program aimed at the investigation of the bonding behavior of different types of FRP materials for strengthening: externally bonded carbon (EBR) plates, and bars or strips externally applied according to the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) technique. The overall experimental program consists of 18 bond tests on concrete specimens strengthened with EBR carbon plates and of 24 bond tests on concrete specimens strengthened with NSM systems (carbon, basalt and glass bars and carbon strips). The performances of each reinforcement system are presented, discussed and compared in terms of debonding load, load-slip relationship, and strain distribution; the failure mode of each system is also analyzed. The results of the experimental program allow a comparison of the effectiveness of the various EBR and NSM strengthening systems tested and evidence of some differences in the bond behavior. He develops different theoretical and experimental researches on seismic damage, non-linear behavior of concrete structures, non-linear behavior of composite steel-concrete structures, seismic behavior of masonry structures, polymeric and composite material structures, industrial plants under seismic risk, advanced monitoring systems, seismic vulnerability of cultural heritage.