Advanced Composites for Internal and External Reinforcement of Concrete Structures: Experimental and Life Cycle-Assessment Studies

The Arabian Gulf is characterized by its elevated temperature, humidity, and excessive chloride content in both the soil and concrete. This severe environment leads to corrosion in the reinforcing steel bars of concrete structures. Using advanced non-corrosive composite materials for external reinforcement (for strengthening/rehabilitation) and internal reinforcement (for new construction) in concrete appears to be a viable solution that helps achieve more durable and sustainable reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This research aims at establishing the scientific evidence on the experimental, numerical and life-cycle performance of advanced composite materials when used to reinforce concrete structures internally and externally. Research activities will be conducted involving industrial partners operating in the field of construction materials and composites. The experimental research program consists of two main parts, namely, (a) external and (b) internal reinforcement studies. In the first part, the effectiveness of steel-reinforced grout (SRG) on strengthening reinforced concrete beams will be investigated. In the second part, the efficacy of Basalt-fiber-reinforced-polymer (BFRP) reinforcement for concrete beams will be studied. The goal of the project is to encourage the use of best procedures coupled with unconventional materials in RC structures, for the purpose of alleviating corrosion-related problems and lengthening the service life of the built environment. The objective of the experimental component of the research is to assess the structural performance of reinforced concrete elements (e.g. beams). Moreover, the numerical modeling and life cycle assessment (LCA) will complement the experimental testing in order to generate virtual experiments and to verify the sustainability performance of the proposed solution, respectively. Thus, the proposed approach is designed to achieve a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable system to be used in coastal areas susceptible to the impact of critical exposures that cause corrosion, if traditional steel has been used, and concrete deterioration. The two controlling values of the planned study are: 1) an effective infrastructure system is at the center of the well-being and development of any country, and 2) the development of new material systems that are vigilant of natural resources and corrosion-related issues and nonetheless can ensure extended sustainability. Accordingly, this research program is intended to build the awareness that is needed for owners, vendors, engineers, suppliers, and contractors in Qatar to make a significant difference in the strategy for maintenance, restoration, and strengthening of existing and new reinforced concrete structures. This composite material based novel technology is twofold according to the utilization, namely steel reinforced grout for the external strengthening and basalt reinforced polymers bars for internal reinforcement. Both materials are trending in the market as a viable alternative to the traditional materials and constitute a new generation of advanced materials. As far as the composites used for external strengthening, SRG will be used that results from the advances made in textile engineering (for the category of a new class of stainless steel reinforcement) and nanotechnology (for the manufacture of new additives for improving the performance of the cementitious grout in terms of its fresh and hardened properties). Basalt FRP bars, which will be used for the internal reinforcement are characterized by high strength-to-weight ratio and offered environmental advantages being produced using natural recycled materials. Fruitful completion and certification of such new technology delivers a key need for Qatar and launches up prospects for its commercialization at the national and international scale. The topic of the project is the core of the LPI expertise in which he has a long history of success in terms of developing innovative techniques that employ composite materials as evidenced by the number and quality of top-tier journal publications in the last few years. Moreover, the PI from HBKU is instrumental in conducting the LCA as his prime area of expertise. The project is expected to be an opportunity to train a number of graduate students, a minimum of 4 that can be doubled to 8 students as MSc students can finish their thesis work in 1.5 years or less. Existing equipment pieces and facilities acquired using previous NPRP funds will be used in this project. A significant contribution from End-users is promised ($150k). The co-funding companies will provide services, materials, and consultations by qualified expert personnel in research and industry. The general manager of a local construction company, AKC, with a Ph.D. will also be devoting significant consultancy services through in-kind co-funding for the project. Expert personnel in concrete manufacturing from ReadyMix Qatar will also provide significant services for developing the cement-based strengthening systems and the concrete used with the BFRP reinforcement. Such interest of end-user companies symbolizes the importance of the topics proposed. Knowledge and expertise will be transferred to local industry partners to advance the built technologies in Qatar.

Qatar University