Abstract—Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) has become an efficient strengthening method for existing concrete structures. In addition to strength addition, FRP wrapping is likely add to the long-tern durability of concrete structures. This may occur due to the reduction of water and chemical permeability and eventual reinforcement corrosion and concrete deterioration in FRP wrapped concrete. A theoretical determination of the reduction of water permeability in FRP wrapped concrete was performed herein. Finite element analysis was utilized using the ANSYS software to analyze the progress of water and its circulation in FRP wrapped concrete. Finite element programs do not usually address the issue of permeability or diffusion. Therefore, diffusion of water in FRP-concrete was modeled by an analogy with thermal conduction. Analytical results showed that FRP wrapping is very useful in decreasing the water ingress in concrete members. The water penetration is largest near the concrete surface, but becomes uniform over time. The water penetrates mostly near the bond-free surfaces near the beam supports. The moisture contents in the FRP, epoxy and concrete varies significantly based on the location and time.

Index Terms—FRP, concrete durability, Corrosion, Water permeability, Chloride permeability, Finite element modeling

Cite: Jyoti Ojha and Nur Yazdani, "Water Permeability in Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Wrapped Concrete Beams," International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 9-22, May 2013.