Application of FRP Sheet for Steel Reinforcement Protection

The present work also investigates active protection of the steel embedded in concrete that is treated with surface bonded carbon FRP. The electrically conductive carbon fiber is used as anode while the reinforcing bar is used as cathode in the present active protection. Anodic current was passed through the reinforcement in both specimens to initiate cracking in concrete. Carbon FRP sheets have been adhesively bonded to the cylinders. The adhesive has been modified to impart electrical conductivity. Specimens were exposed to highly corrosive environment for specified times. Several performance metrics have been reported and the relative efficiency of active and passive protection have been studied. The active protection technique is very effective in retarding the corrosion of steel. However an optimum current density must be maintained to avoid damages at the interfaces of steel and concrete.