Preliminary results on natural aging of GFRP-reinforced masonry components exposed to outdoor environmental conditions

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) have been widely used for strengthening and repair of masonry structures since the 1990s. Although the short-term performance of such systems has been extensively studied, their durability and long-term behavior are still scarcely known. Therefore, a better understanding of the corresponding degradation mechanisms and durability issues is of major interest, especially in cases of externally bonded systems where the materials are prone to undergo a more severe decay. Different accelerated aging tests have been developed in order to simulate weathering conditions in a shorter time: water immersion, freeze-thaw, hygrothermal cycles, salt crystallization, UV radiation, etc. Nonetheless, accelerated aging data cannot be used to make reliable service life estimations without a clear correlation with real environmental processes. In this study, we present the preliminary results (3/12 years) of a real exposure experimental campaign devoted to analyzing the natural aging of masonry components reinforced with externally bonded glass fibers (GFRP). The aging conditions consist of: (a) direct outdoor exposure, i.e. outdoor hygrothermal variation + sun and rain; (b) indirect outdoor exposure, i.e. outdoor hygrothermal variation + sheltered from sun and rain; (c) laboratory conditions as control group. The specimens consist of solid extruded fired-clay bricks strengthened with unidirectional GFRP sheets following the wet lay-up procedure. The aging effects on bond performance are studied by means of single-lap shear tests. Finally, the effect of brick surface treatment and the application of an external render on bond durability is investigated.