Installation - Strengthening Design of Reinforced Concrete with FRP - page 218

8 Installation
8.1 OVERVIEW
Installation of an FRP system depends on the manufacturer's procedure, which
could vary according to the system. Installation also can vary based on the type and
condition of the member and the various environmental factors directly impacting
the installation. Application personnel must be trained by the manufacturer or its
agent. Deviation from the original procedure developed for a certain system needs
approval from the manufacturer prior to its acceptance.
8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Conditions related to temperature, moisture, and humidity during installation affect
the FRP system installed. For example, primers, putty, and adhesive resin cannot be
applied to cold surfaces. A heat source may be used to heat the surface without con-
taminating it or the uncured FRP system. However, if the temperature is lower than
specified, the resin may not cure properly, and fiber saturation may be inadequate.
Similarly, applying resin to wet or moist surfaces may affect the curing or fiber
saturation as well, unless the resin is said to be water or moisture resistant. If mois-
ture gets into the uncured resin, it may create bubbles that could impact the bond
between the fibers or with the concrete substrate.
8.3 SURFACE PREPARATION AND REPAIR
This is the main key to the success of the FRP system in performing properly to
strengthen concrete members. Debonding or localized separation of the FRP system
may take place due to poorly prepared concrete substrate. Detailed guidance should
be obtained from the FRP manufacturer about surface preparation. However, this
chapter provides generalized guidelines to the proper repair and surface preparation
for externally bonded and near-surface-mounted FRP installation.
ACI 440.2R-08 categorized this topic into the following areas:
1. Surface repair
Any damage to the surface in terms of spalling, breakage of cover
material, or unevenness of substrate surface must be repaired prior to
the installation of the FRP system. Repair using resin material compat-
ible with the substrate and FRP system is expected to restore a proper
and even surface for FRP installation. The compatibility of the resin
material with the adhered material and the substrate is critical, as seen
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