Environmental effects on the mechanical properties of glass-FRP and aramid-FRP rebars

In the paper, the experimental results on the effect of temperature and moi sture on the mechanical properties of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) reinfo rcements are presented. FRP rebars made from glass and aramid fibers were s ubjected to cyclic thermal actions at temperatures ranging between 20 and 7 0 degreesC, typical of natural hot-climate environments. Tensile tests were also carried out on FRP rebars. The effect of moisture was investigated by cyclic wetting and drying the FRP rebars under laboratory conditions befor e their testing in tension. Finally, the elastic modulus and tensile streng th of the FRP rebars exposed to these cycle actions were compared with thos e obtained for unexposed ones, in order evaluate the mechanical damage caus ed by environmental conditions.