FRP composite jackets and corrosion of steel reinforcement - a critical review

Corrosion of steel is known to be a significant contributor to the deterioration of infrastructure systems. There is an increasing need to develop rationale and cost-efficient methods to mitigate the effects of harsh environmental conditions and solution ingress through coatings. The use of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite wraps on structural concrete components provides one potential means of both rehabilitation and mitigation of corrosion. Although FRP wraps have been considered as a means of mitigating corrosion and retarding its effects, a more comprehensive understanding of both the corrosion process and the effect of polymer and FRP barriers is needed before such a methodology can be effectively implemented in the field. This paper reviews current knowledge in the area while providing a critical analysis of knowledge gaps and research needs.