Title: Structural Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Panels

Author(s): Nasim Uddin, Fouad H. Fouad, Uday K. Vaidya, Amol K. Khotpal, and Juan C. Serrano-Perez

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 104

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 722-730

Keywords: autoclaved aerated concrete; deflection; epoxy; fiber-reinforced concrete; mold; panel

DOI: 10.14359/18954

Date: 11/1/2007

Abstract:
The structural behavior of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panels is examined. The structural system is based on the concept of sandwich construction with strong and stiff FRP composite skins bonded to an inner AAC panel. The carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement was applied on the top and bottom faces of the AAC panel and several innovative processing techniques were used including hand lay-up as well as vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The main focus of the research is to combine AAC with FRP face sheets into a synergetic system that would be consistent with recent interest in high-performance, zero-maintenance civil infrastructures. To optimize flexural/shear behavior of the hybrid CFRP-AAC sandwich panels, several innovative reinforcing schemes with the CFRP skin were used as explained in the paper. Experimental results showed a significant influence of the FRP because the AAC beams demonstrated an increase in ultimate flexural capacity and stiffness. A representative FRP-AAC full-size panel developed in the present work also featured a full-scale lintel where a weight savings up to 30% was realized.