Limiting shear creep of epoxy adhesive at the FRP–concrete interface using multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in structural strengthening and retrofitting due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and non-corrosive properties. However, one of the recently recognized drawbacks of common FRP strengthening systems is the relatively high shear creep deformation of epoxy adhesives when FRP sheets are used to strengthen concrete structures against sustained loads. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reported to provide significant enhancement to various mechanical properties when used in epoxy adhesives. This enhancement is attributed to the extraordinary mechanical properties of the CNTs and their ability to bond to epoxy. In this article, we report the results of experimental and analytical investigations conducted to examine shear creep behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced epoxy nanocomposite used at the FRP–concrete interface. Double shear tests were performed on FRP sheets bonded to concrete blocks with MWCNTs reinforced epoxy nanocomposite. Various levels of pristine and functionalized MWCNTs by weight were examined including 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%. The viscoelastic behavior of MWCNTs reinforced epoxy nanocomposite was simulated with rheological models and the models' parameters were extracted and discussed. The results show the ability of MWCNTs to significantly reduce creep compliance of epoxy at the FRP–concrete interface making it a viable solution if FRP is used to strengthen concrete structures subjected to sustained stress.