Environmental effects on the bond at the interface of fiber-reinforced polymer and masonry brick

This study examined the bond at the interface of masonry bricks and fiber-reinforced polymer when exposed to five environments. Three fabrics (aramid, carbon, and glass) and one type of epoxy resin were used. A total of 375 brick-fiber-reinforced polymer specimens were made using wet lay-up technic and exposed to chemical solutions at four pH values (2.5, 7, 10, and 12.5) and substitute seawater. The effect of dry heat on the bond at the interface was also investigated. Single-lap shear tests were then carried out on the samples after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 13 weeks of exposure. The experimental results indicated that freshwater and seawater had a considerable effect on the bond strength of brick-aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) and brick-carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) samples; however, they did not significantly affect the bond strength of brick-glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Exposure to the severe environments was detrimental to bond strength. The results showed a significant loss of approximately 60% after 13 weeks of exposure to alkaline and acidic solutions. Dry heat did not significantly affect the bond strength of the tested samples.